Brasi 2016 - Autodromo Carlos Pace Interlagos

[Nitrodaze]

https://autoaviacao.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/tracado.jpg

Formally named Interlagos in the city of Sao Paolo, this track has a length of 4.3km, 71 of the most weltering laps with 15 of some of the most challenging corners and chicanes. The race is in an anticlockwise direction with a short sprint to the first corner that pours into the exciting Senna S.

Alain Prost remains the most successful driver to race the Interlagos circuit, winning it 6 times. The race lap record of 1:11:473 is held by Juan Pablo Montoya in 2004 and remains unchallenged to date. The fastest lap ever done in interlagos was by Rubens Barrichello in the Ferrari F2004 during qualifying at 1:09:822 in 2004.

Cold brakes at the start usually see cars egging it at the first corner which is also a downward slope. The track has over 10 elevation changes which makes this track incredibly challenging in the wet. And when it rains at Interlagos, it pours in the bucket load.

On the current grid, Massa, Vettel and Rosberg have each won it twice. This is a track Hamilton has yet to win. Rosberg won it in 2014 and 2015. He could make it a hat trick if he wins this weekend. Which would make him the most successful driver in the current grid to race Interlagos.

A win for Rosberg this weekend would conclude the fight for the drivers title and make him the Drivers Champion of 2016. If he finish lower than 3rd and Hamilton wins, it would mean the title would be decided in Abu Dhabi with Hamilton in a stronger position of clinching the title. Let the race begin :-)

Talking points this weekend:-

1. Paddy Lowe may be off to Ferrari
2. Magnussen joins Haas for 2017 and 2018
3. Ocon signed by Force India
4. Charlie Whiting joins the drivers press conference to set the record straight on Mexico
5. Ferrari Appeals for reinstatement of Vettels 3rd position at Mexico
6. It is Felipe Massa's last race at Interlagos in a F1 car. We wish him all the best.

[AndyL]

Brazil is invariably an exciting race. Rain is forecast for the weekend so it could be an eventful one. Imagine if rain falls on the last lap, causing a slick-shod leading car to spin off, giving Rosberg vital points to seal the championship :)

In a way I hope Nico does wrap up the title this weekend, because this race is a more fitting finale than Abu Dhabi.

[Tazio]

That Fred is a real cut up, classic:
https://twitter.com/ThisisF1/status/797135195975467008

[Nitrodaze]

It is amazing how close the 1.6 litre V6 hybrid engines are to the great V10 naturally aspirated 3 litre engine in the mighty Ferrari F2004. Hamilton's Qualifying time was 1:10:736 this weekend which is not far off Ruben Barrichello's 1:09:822 time from 2004. This Mercedes hybrid engine would probably put the Mercedes in the top end of the midfield of the 2004 season.

[AndyL]

It is amazing how close the 1.6 litre V6 hybrid engines are to the great V10 naturally aspirated 3 litre engine in the mighty Ferrari F2004. Hamilton's Qualifying time was 1:10:736 this weekend which is not far off Ruben Barrichello's 1:09:822 time from 2004. This Mercedes hybrid engine would probably put the Mercedes in the top end of the midfield of the 2004 season.

Without the fuel flow limit, they'd be way ahead.

[Bagwan]

At this point , you can't write a better scenario for the race .

Lewis is on pole , with a Finn Ferrari , and a loose cannon Bull tight behind , and a forecast that has a damp flavour .

Lewis has the edge over Nico in rain , but Bulls have better aeros , so no guarantee Merc will win .

And , whilst Toto talks to Jos , Max must be thinking of how to exploit the edgy focus of the two guys on the front row .
They are already nervous about him being there , so why not just jam into that first corner and watch them scatter , as they both need the finish to try and finish off , or extend the season .

Could be two or three cars into the daisies at the first corner .

[Stan Reid]

Well, Nico can play it safe doing follow the leader or he can win and end it today as champion.

[Nitrodaze]

Haas headache!

Grosjean crashed out heading for the grid. It looks like a safety car start.

[steveaki13]

Hi guys. Long time no speak......

So this is the day when the championship is formed. Nico either wins it or its right on to the last round. Rain adding to the spice for the start.

Love to see a standing start but never sure Charlie is brave enough these days. Normally chickens out for a SC start.

[steveaki13]

Poor old Grosjean. Not much he could do judging by the Renault nearly losing it seconds later.

Haas must be gutted after that amazing 7th

[steveaki13]

delayed start.... Charlie needs replacing

[Nitrodaze]

delayed start.... Charlie needs replacing
It is getting darker as well. I wonder if it would rain again?

[steveaki13]

Safety car start......................

[Tazio]

morning guys :wave:

[AndyL]

What a shame for Haas. They made a great start to the year but it's been a challenging season for them since then.

[steveaki13]

morning guys :wave:

Morning Taz

What a surprise its a SC start.... not.

[AndyL]

Any predictions how many laps it will be between the safety car going in and the first car pitting to change to intermediates?

[steveaki13]

Any predictions how many laps it will be between the safety car going in and the first car pitting to change to intermediates?

0 laps

Someone will pit as SC comes in.

[AndyL]

0 laps

Someone will pit as SC comes in.

Sounds like a good bet.

[Koz]

So lame.

[AndyL]

And the race is underway! Sort of.

[steveaki13]

boring. Cowardly decisions as usual

[AL14]

What a joke the SC start

[steveaki13]

why cant these drivers just drive a bit slower if it is heavy rain. Inters will be straight on. I say again Charlie needs replacing by a racing driver

[Nitrodaze]

So lame.

I was looking forward to the short sprint to the first corner with Kimi and Max right behind the Mercs.

[steveaki13]

drivers well ready and Charlie still being a chicken

[Koz]

Time for Charlie to retire.

[Nitrodaze]

And grind begins heee haah

[steveaki13]

I win. Magnussen onto INters as SC comes in

[Koz]

What a fucking twat Charlie is, he releases cars when the track is ready for inters.

What is the point?

[steveaki13]

What a fucking twat Charlie is, he releases cars when the track is real for inters.

What is the point?

exactly

[AndyL]

I win. Magnussen onto INters as SC comes in

KMag's first flying lap on the inters was similar to mid-fielders on wets so the conditions were ready for the inters.

[Nitrodaze]

ooops, Vettel spun out . not sure inters are the right move

[Koz]

Holy fuck that was scary.

[steveaki13]

drivers on inters saying its too wet full stop..... WTF are full wets and throttles for? Jeez. Getting royally pissed off.

[Koz]

drivers on inters saying its too wet full stop..... WTF are full wets and throttles for? Jeez. Getting royally pissed off.

They can't handle the torque.

[Tazio]

kimi!

[steveaki13]

opps Kimi spins. That was nasty.

I dont think we will get a race today. They will call it too wet and its not going to improve. Could be game over today

[Nitrodaze]

Kimi makes it a double ferrari spin, red flag

[AndyL]

Can anyone remember what the red flag rules are now? I know they were changed after that 4 hour Canadian Grand Prix.

[N4D13]

AndyL, a GP must end at most 4 hours after the scheduled start time.

As for everyone having a go at Charlie Whiting, can you people see now why so many SCs and red flags are justified?

[AndyL]

So they could still wait an hour or two for an improvement in the weather and have a race then.

[Nitrodaze]

They are changing tyres

[veeten]

What does this remind me of?...

Remember the famous Brazil GP where Fisichella was caught out at that same area, and had that spin and crash that turned his car into a pile of parts... Yeah, it's THAT wet...

[steveaki13]

AndyL, a GP must end at most 4 hours after the scheduled start time.

As for everyone having a go at Charlie Whiting, can you people see now why so many SCs and red flags are justified?

Why are teams going onto inters if it is so dangerous? That doesnt make sense.I still think we could have raced after 2 laps of SC. In the rain people crash. Thats always been part of racing and what gives the likes of Manor and Sauber the chance to score points.

[steveaki13]

What does this remind me of?...

Remember the famous Brazil GP where Fisichella was caught out at that same area, and had that spin and crash that turned his car into a pile of parts... Yeah, it's THAT wet...

They still kept that going.

[Nitrodaze]

They still kept that going.

Soft they are nowadays :-) not

[veeten]

Riccardo caught out by the red light, 5-sec. penalty.

[Nitrodaze]

SC was the right call, looking with hindsight. Race starts in 10 minutes.

[veeten]

If they are able to race in that break in the weather, the real question is if they can put enough laps in before the next band of rain comes. A shortened race means partial points, which makes Abu Dhabi the most important race of the season.

[veeten]

... and just when they go back out, it's raining again. :s

this so sucks... :\

[steveaki13]

all a bit pointless cos it doesnt seem like a race is going to happen today. Let the fans go home.

[N4D13]

Why are teams going onto inters if it is so dangerous? That doesnt make sense.I still think we could have raced after 2 laps of SC. In the rain people crash. Thats always been part of racing and what gives the likes of Manor and Sauber the chance to score points.
The thing is, if you let drivers drive under these conditions, you're almost certainly not going to have a proper race. Instead, you'll get a truckload of short sprints separated by safety car periods. That'd probably be entertaining, but a mockery if you ask me.

[COD]

FIA should mqndate Pirelli to introduce monsune tyre for next year. This is so stupid

[steveaki13]

Brazilian fans rightly letting F1 know this sucks..... I have seen much worse conditions. If the cars have to much torque or are too light then change the cars..... this is ruining the fans day who have paid so much money. Its ruining the title fight. I am completely deluded by what is happening in this sport.

[steveaki13]

The thing is, if you let drivers drive under these conditions, you're almost certainly not going to have a proper race. Instead, you'll get a truckload of short sprints separated by safety car periods. That'd probably be entertaining, but a mockery if you ask me.

ask the fans in the stands what they would rather see

[veeten]

another red flag...

at this point, I believe we are all in agreement here: Why Bother?...

[steveaki13]

another red flag...

at this point, I believe we are all in agreement here: Why Bother?...

yep. I am going to say something controversial but the fans would rather see a race full of crashes and incidents than pay 200 quid for nothing.

[Nitrodaze]

If they are able to race in that break in the weather, the real question is if they can put enough laps in before the next band of rain comes. A shortened race means partial points, which makes Abu Dhabi the most important race of the season.

The championship is surely settled now because it is half points this weekend. I can't see them doing the requisite 53 laps required for full points. Only a DNF at Abu Dhabi would deprive Rosberg from his 1st F1 Driver title

[steveaki13]

The championship is surely settled now because it is half points this weekend. I can't see them doing the requisite 53 laps required for full points. Only a DNF at Abu Dhabi would deprive Rosberg from his 1st F1 Driver title

I think thats the case.

[gm99]

When exactly has F1 turned into a pussy sport?
Twenty years ago, it was raining much heavier in Interlagos. They went ahead and we saw a great race (won by Damon Hill).

[veeten]

another restart?!...

Geez, Louise! :(

[AL14]

When exactly has F1 turned into a pussy sport?
Twenty years ago, it was raining much heavier in Interlagos. They went ahead and we saw a great race (won by Damon Hill).

I was a little kid but I still remember it. At that time I was following closely F1. Now with SC start and this continuous red flag time I can't recognize it...

[steveaki13]

When exactly has F1 turned into a pussy sport?
Twenty years ago, it was raining much heavier in Interlagos. They went ahead and we saw a great race (won by Damon Hill).

F1 started going wrong in 2003 when the first spiced up the show to stop the red cars winning. Since then rules have changed and become a circus. Plus we take any bad accident as a reason to bring safety a bit more towards no rain racing.

TV are mentioning Bianchi but that was tractors on circuit not the rain

[steveaki13]

hope its started raining heavy again after that 15 minute warning of a restart when it was light rain

[Koz]

This is going to be SC till the end isn't it?

[Koz]

By god that Red Bull and Max are amazing!

[AL14]

WHat a phenomenon Verstappen. Impressive.

[veeten]

and as Jos' kid passes him, Nico starts silent praying,... " Please, dont start raining. Just Don't!!!"

[steveaki13]

Max saying come on you old dinosaurs. Just drive non of this caution.

[veeten]

hell of a spin, Max. And still keeps 2nd!

Nico, it was soooooo close, wasn't it? ;)

[veeten]

and, the first fool,... err, driver in for Inters is Riccardo

[Koz]

This SC might just hand Max victory.

[veeten]

oh, Fillipe... :(

[steveaki13]

Felipe noooooooooooooooooooooooooo

I guess they will leave it until lap 53 and red flag it. Full points and all off to UAE

[veeten]

Now, that's a great farewell, from both the fans and the paddock. :)

[veeten]

Full points as of the last lap taken. 25 min. to go for a timed race.

[N4D13]

Positions don't really mean much in such a mixed up race, but it's great to see Sainz up there in 4th place. It's not quite a podium (yet), but it'll certainly feel like one.

[Tazio]

Max is on a massive charge. I'm glad I stuck with the race!

[Koz]

Max is on a massive charge. I'm glad I stuck with the race!

It's been an amazing race since they let them race, like it should have been from the start.

[veeten]

Max is 'movin' on up'... put the squeeze on Vettel, and now Perez better look out. :D

[veeten]

Max is showin' them how its done. ;)

[N4D13]

As much as I dislike Verstappen, today he's made everyone else look average. Hats off to him.

[steveaki13]

Thats a good drive from Lewis Hamilton

Unbelievable drive from Max.

Sad for Manor but well done Sauber. 2 points and off the mark. Crucial for them.

After all the nonsense and faffing around we got a good race. Should have been 71 laps of it but hey.

The title is all but over now. Rosberg done the job

[Tazio]

As much as I dislike Verstappen, today he's made everyone else look average. Hats off to him.Yes he is not my favorite either. Although the circumstances were a little different, he reminded me of Mike in Malaysia 2001. Mike was on the right tire (inters) compared to almost every one else, and blew them away from 12th, or fourteenth! :)


After all the nonsense and faffing around we got a good race. Should have been 71 laps of it but hey.
Right! why does Charlie have to micro manage these situations :angryfire

[Koz]

Anyone catch Gutierrez and Guenther Steiner?

What was all that about?

[N4D13]

Anyone catch Gutierrez and Guenther Steiner?

What was all that about?
Gutiérrez was probably mad at his DNF plus his being dropped by the team for 2017. It's unsurprising that they wouldn't be on the best of terms right now.

[Tazio]

Anyone catch Gutierrez and Guenther Steiner?

What was all that about?
They said on the NBCSN broadcast that Gutierrez was so profane and crude that they couldn't transmit any of their conversation. I'm not sure if it was a radio transmission or the actual conversation in the garage :eek:

[AndyL]

I saw Gutierrez threw his gloves down when he entered the garage, he was obviously pretty irate.

[Stan Reid]

Yes, first points for Sauber this year.

Now all Nico needs is a third or he can put Lewis off at the first turn and end it early.

[COD]

Holy Senna. Verstappen! Not been a big fan before, but now. What a show! Reminds me of Senna at his best.

These wet tyres are a joke, please bring on proper ones so we see decent wet racing, not driving behind safetycar

[Nitrodaze]

Anyone catch Gutierrez and Guenther Steiner?

What was all that about?

I saw that, Gutierrez said something that seemed rude to Gunther, Gunther goes hey hey and grabs Gutierrez's arm and pulled him round to face him. It seemed there was going to be a punch up at that moment.

But you have to ask was Haas fair to Gutierrez considering the state of their cars at some of the previous races and in Brasil in particular? That said, if Haas had a choice between Magnussen and Gutierrez, it is a no brainer that they would snap up Magnussen. All in all, Gutierrez got a taste of the ugly side of F1. He should go have a chat with Kyvat for a bit.

[zako85]

Surprise surprise, Force India is on the way to beat Williams in 2016 championship.

[AndyL]

Heard a bit more info on the Gutierrez situation, apparently he was battling an ERS problem for most of the race, which eventually proved terminal. When he got out of the car in a bad mood, Steiner tried to put a sympathetic hand on his shoulder, but Gutierrez brushed it off. Then followed the small confrontation between them that was shown on TV. But all was forgiven and forgotten straight afterwards, according to Haas PR.

[airshifter]

If they had just let them race rather than endless delays, the racing itself was fun to watch. But in all fairness, Interlagos has had these small rivers running across the track for quite some time now. They need to figure out drainage that actually works before someone gets killed.

Some good drives, and if not for RB strategy I think we could have easily seen Max challenge for the upper two steps on the podium. I don't remember wet drives like his since the days of MS and Alonso in the Renault. The kid blew past Nico like it was nothing, and I thought Rosberg was just playing it safe until Max kept passing people in the same fashion.

Some good drives through the field.

[Nitrodaze]

Ocon also showed why Force India picked him over Wehrlein. He drove a fine race, he was in the points for a while there.

[Nitrodaze]

If they had just let them race rather than endless delays, the racing itself was fun to watch. But in all fairness, Interlagos has had these small rivers running across the track for quite some time now. They need to figure out drainage that actually works before someone gets killed.

Some good drives, and if not for RB strategy I think we could have easily seen Max challenge for the upper two steps on the podium. I don't remember wet drives like his since the days of MS and Alonso in the Renault. The kid blew past Nico like it was nothing, and I thought Rosberg was just playing it safe until Max kept passing people in the same fashion.

Some good drives through the field.

I was puzzled as to why RB pitted Max from a tyre that he was clearly very comfortable with and had track position with a good chance of taking the fight to Hamilton. I have to say, at one point during that stint when he was running in 2nd place, a thought crossed my mind that he could win this race. Considering the Mercedes ran that particular tyre to the end of the race, l would think RB took a race win or at least 2nd place away from Verstapenn at Interlagos.

Makes you wonder if RB was simply abiding with the call from Wolff for RB to keep their whipper snapper rookie out of the championship duel. If you can call it a duel that is.


This season we have kind of witnessed the subtle ways that the teams can regulate the outcomes on the track. Making these actions seem like strategic decisions to didn't pan out or other.