An analysis of telemetry data from the Brazilian Sprint race reveals McLaren’s dominant performance, with both cars finishing ahead of Max Verstappen, who was later penalized. The race provided a preview of what’s to come in qualifying and the Grand Prix itself. As expected, McLaren claimed a one-two finish, with Lando Norris winning after Oscar Piastri let him pass to secure an additional point in the drivers’ championship. Behind them, however, Max Verstappen put up a strong fight. Although a Virtual Safety Car penalty ultimately dropped him to fourth, his impressive race pace indicated that, without the VSC, he might have even challenged for second place despite spending half the race stuck behind Charles Leclerc, who struggled to hold him off. Red Bull demonstrated an ideal balance of handling, tire management, and speed, with Verstappen showing a pace far stronger than his single-lap performance suggested. Max Verstappen admitted he didn’t expect to be a top qualifier but felt confident about his race pace—key for Sunday’s race, where he’ll start five places back due to a power unit change penalty.
Perfect Setup for Red Bull, McLaren Performs Well, Ferrari Needs Revisions
Data shows McLaren’s cars were faster than all competitors, with the exception of Verstappen, who matched their lap averages. In contrast, Charles Leclerc was roughly two-tenths slower and suffered a significant pace drop near the end. Ferrari’s SF-24 appears to have been set up for maximum performance in the short race but at the expense of handling, making it difficult to manage on key parts of the track. Telemetry from Charles Leclerc shows both strong moments and struggles in slow and fast sectors, suggesting unpredictable and uneven car behavior. McLaren, while generally fast, also faced challenges. Their low and stiff setup led to inconsistent handling and a “yo-yo” gap between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Max Verstappen’s late surge suggests the final VSC played a big role in helping Oscar Piastri retain second place.
Setup Adjustments Expected for All But Red Bull
With Sergio Perez’s strong comeback, it seems Red Bull adapted best to track conditions for the Sprint. They’re likely to maintain their setup, with minor tweaks for the Grand Prix’s 71 laps and full fuel load. Other teams, especially Ferrari, will probably focus on improving drivability, as both Ferrari drivers struggled with frequent errors due to difficult handling. Given the overtaking potential at Interlagos, most teams may favor setups for race pace, allowing for better performance in the full-length race. Qualifying and race sessions are expected to be highly dynamic, with weather posing a significant risk for rain. McLaren is well-positioned to excel in qualifying, rain or shine, but Ferrari is determined to make improvements. These four cars—McLaren, Ferrari, and Red Bull—are the top candidates for the first two rows, but weather and track conditions add a layer of unpredictability, making qualifying a session to watch closely.
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