Two years on from their epic battle for the 2021 world title, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen look set to lock horns, or be in shut proximity once more, at this weekend’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
ALSO READ | THIS automobile licence renewal service is providing MAJOR reductions
After ending second on monitor behind Red Bull’s three-time champion in Austin and Mexico, Mercedes hope that Hamilton can ship a victory in Brazil, as his team-mate George Russell did 12 months in the past to say his maiden success in a one-two for the Silver Arrows.
But they know that Max Verstappen won’t be giving something in dedication or tempo as he seeks to proceed his record-breaking swathe of victories on the atmospheric Interlagos circuit that has hosted many racing dramas.
Mercedes’ final win got here in Brazil with Russell final yr whereas since then Red Bull have reeled off 19 wins, 17 by Verstappen and two by Sergio Perez, in an unprecedented run of success damaged solely by a solitary Carlos Sainz triumph for Ferrari in Singapore.
MUST READ | Fuel value: How a lot you’ll pay for petrol and diesel from TODAY
Russell additionally received the dash final yr whereas Hamilton, with an excellent drive by means of the sphere, received the 2021 Grand Prix.
With the crew profitable six of the final eight at Interlagos, general confidence is excessive this weekend.
“We go there knowing we have a good car and believing that if we put all our ducks in a row then we can have a very strong weekend,” stated Mercedes crew chief Toto Wolff.
Hamilton agreed, suggesting: “These next two will be very close, but I’m sure Max will get 18 or 19 this year.”
Hamilton, a three-time winner in Brazil, was genuinely aggressive within the final two races, even when he was disqualified in Texas, and with vociferous assist in a rustic that has adopted him as an honorary Brazilian, is bound to do all he can to repay the followers who regard him as one in all their very own within the absence of a Brazilian driver.
Unstoppable Max Verstappen
Max Verstappen may have a 52nd profession victory in sight, and his seventeenth of the yr, to maneuver inside a win of four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel’s tally of 53.
“He’s not obsessive in chasing records, or statistics,” stated Red Bull crew boss Christian Horner.
“But he knows more than you think – he just has an inner desire, an inner belief, an inner hunger that drives him all the time. It’s something he shares with all the greats.”
After his opening-lap crash and retirement in Mexico, Perez may also be acutely motivated.
DIARISE | Formula One 2023: When and the place is the subsequent grand prix?
He lies second within the title race with solely a 20-point benefit on Hamilton, with three races remaining, and Horner has impressed how eager he’s for Red Bull to complete first and second for the primary time.
“Mexico was devastating for me, but these things happen,” stated Perez, whose future with the crew has been the topic of a lot hypothesis.
“You can’t afford to go over what happened or what may have been. My focus is to finish second and to have a great weekend in Brazil.”
In one other dash race weekend, with solely a single follow session on Friday, Ferrari may also hope to be a aggressive power and McLaren to show extra consistency in what guarantees to be an action-packed weekend.
By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse
ALSO READ | Formula One: Every world champion so far
Source link
