The thrilling Alonso/Perez battle brought excitement to the São Paulo Grand Prix (video)
The São Paulo Grand Prix did not escape Max Verstappen's surgical realism, leaving no room for surprise. However, the race was very interesting to follow in the final laps, with a thrilling duel at the top between Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso and Red Bull driver Sergio Pérez. The two drivers engaged in an intense battle for the final spot on the podium, being separated by only 0.053 seconds at the finish.
Fernando Alonso declared that defending Sergio Pérez during the São de Paulo Grand Prix was more difficult than keeping Michael Schumacher at bay during the 2005 San Marino Grand Prix. A remark that speaks volumes about the intensity of the duel that animated the final laps of the São Paulo Grand Prix. « It was easier in 2005. No DRS, so it was probably a bit easier. Now, with DRS, it seems a bit different and you also have to play a little differently. »
A nerve-racking battle that forced Alonso to arm himself with patience and rely on all his experience to overcome Perez. « Yes, for me, I had the pressure from Checo for about 30 laps, but yeah, when he overtook me, two laps from the end, I thought that getting on the podium was no longer possible. »
« But then, he braked a little too late in turn 1 and I thought it was necessary to go full throttle in turn 4 », before adding that « It’s a phenomenal result for the team. We’ve been facing difficulties for a few months now, especially in the last two races with two retirements ».
A high-stakes duel between the Spanish and Mexican, so close that a photo finish was required to determine who crossed the line in 3rd and 4th position. A mere 0.053-second difference, decided by minute details. Details that certainly aren’t coincidental, as Alonso explains in a press conference. “Being in front, you have an advantage in terms of grip in the final three turns. I made sure not to make any mistakes in those three turns, because Checo would have gotten too close.”
I used energy in the straight lines to not give him a chance. I changed my trajectories, I didn’t want to always do the same ones. Sometimes on the inside, sometimes on the outside, so that it wouldn’t be a clear direction for him and he would look for the draft. I was trying to generate turbulence on his front wing.
