Spanish Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) took the podium this Sunday at the penultimate race of the World Cup, the Brazilian Grand Prix, a very attractive race that was a little more than anything, surpassing the first victory of British George Russell and the double Mercedes, Fernando Alonso (Alp) finished fifth.

Another year at Interlagos did not disappoint. Anything can happen in Sao Paulo and everything changed from the beginning with a security tool. Strategy kicked in, team orders, calculations for second place, demand for “respect” among teammates, until a new and regrouped 11-lap race, another ‘security‘.

Third-place Sainz secured his sixteenth podium in F1 sweating like few others and indefinitely until the end, as Ferrari rejected fourth-placed Charles Leclerc’s request to beat Spain and add more points for the second stage of the World Cup .. ‘Scuderia’ didn’t want risks, With Alonso and also with Max Verstappen.

The world champion was even worse because Red Bull allowed Pérez to pass in exchange for his return to position if his tires did not degrade. Key to his teammate’s title last year, the Mexican finished seventh behind a disobedient Verstappen and ‘Checo’ lost second place in the World Cup.

Radio communication in Brazil left a few moments for history. First reading to Esteban Ocon Alpine’s role was also memorable and asked the Frenchman to forget about Alonso. The Asturian continued the race in ninth with an advantage on his tyres, beating Sebastian Vettel in Saturday’s sprint alongside fellow Ocon, Valtteri Bottas and Leclerc.

A recital to score good points in Alonso’s fight against Alpine, starting 17th McLaren for fourth place World Builders. The other reading is the one that puts Mercedes on the right track after battling the previous two races and finally getting their first win with a double.

Russell was on the face of the aftermath of the crash between the safety car due to the successive crashes that caused the first resumption of the race. Daniel Ricciardo and Kevin Magnussenboth out. The Brit was alone at the top as Mercedes closed the Dutchman despite a sanction for second as the action returned with a touchdown between Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.

Likewise, Lando Norris made contact with Leclerc, making the Monegasque race difficult. It looked good for Sainz too, but a small fire on his brakes forced him to stop early. The race still contained surprises, so good strategy was unknown, knowing that his opponent had good strategy. Sergio Perez.

Hamilton flew in and was the one who forced the rest to stop and pray for the tires to hold up, but with 20 laps left. Norris caused the other yellow flag. Finally, a ‘security’ that takes time to emerge and unfold and brings everyone together for a heart-stopping ending, an Interlagos prone to radio messages and scares. Hamilton didn’t get ahead of Russell with 103 wins and Sainz spotted a Pérez who hadn’t changed wheels.

Just in case they made everything clear to Ocon and Alonso showed his quality and teamwork. A pineapple that could have been broken forever at Red Bull is the same as Verstappen’s gap to a third-place Pérez in the World Cup. 290 points More than a Leclerc who wants more from Ferrari. Abu Dhabi will decide next week and there will be peace no matter what.

Brazilian GP (71 laps)

1. George Russell (Mercedes) 1:38’34″044

2. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) at 1″529

3. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) in 4″051

4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) at 8″441

5. Fernando Alonso (Alpine) at 9″561

6. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) at 10,056

7. Sergio Perez (Red Bull) at 14″080

8. Esteban Ocon (Alp) at 18″690

9. Valtteri Bottas (Alfa Romeo) in 22″552

10. Lance Ride at 23″552 (Aston Martin)

11. Sebastian Vettel (Aston Martin) 26″183

12. Pierre Gasly (AlphaTauri) at 26″867

13. Guanyu Zhou (Alfa Romeo) at 29″325

14. Mick Schumacher (Haas) at 29,899

15. Alexander Albon (Williams) at 36″016

16. Nicholas Latifi (Williams) at 37,038

17. Yuki Tsunoda (AlphaTauri) 1 round

RETIRED:

Lando Norris (McLaren)

Daniel Ricciardo (McLaren)

Kevin Magnussen (Haas)

This is how the World Cup goes (21/22 +3 sprints)

1. Max Verstappen (PB) 429 points

2. Sergio Perez (MEX) 290

3. Charles Leclerc (MON) 290

4. George Russell (GBR) 265

5. Lewis Hamilton (GBR) 240

6. Carlos Sainz (ESP) 234

7. Lando Norris (GBR) 113

8. Esteban Ocon (FRA) 86

9. Fernando Alonso (ESP) 81

10. Valtteri Bottas (FIN) 49

11. Sebastian Vettel (GER) 36

12. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) 35

13. Kevin Magnussen (DIN) 25

14. Pierre Gasly (FRA) 23

15. Lance Walk (CAN) 14

16. Mick Schumacher (GER) 12

17. Yuki Tsunoda (JAP) 12

18. Guanyu Zhou (CHI) 6

19. Alexander Albon (GRR) 4

20. Nicholas Latifi (CAN) 2