Brazil: pre-sprint 2023

Interlagos is probably my favourite circuit on the calendar. Such a shame it’s contaminated with the sprint bullshit.

 

Q1 saw some unsurprising departures in the form of both Alfa Romeos and Sargeant, and the rather more unexpected double elimination of the AlphaTauris. Ricciardo felt there was more in the car, and the track was evolving rapidly, so they may do better today.

Q2 was also highly contested, though forecast ran didn’t show up during this session. Hulkenberg and Magnussen were both out, and between them were the two Alpines. Albon was the slowest chap eliminated.

Q3 saw a flurry of activity from most, although I think the McLarens were a bit tardy and that ended up costing them. Halfway through the session black clouds rolled in and the rain arrived, bringing out a red flag. Verstappen ended up on pole, a few tenths ahead of Leclerc. Row two is surprising, with Stroll leading Alonso. Can Aston Martin hold onto that, or will they drift backwards during the race?

Row three is Mercedes territory, Hamilton ahead of Russell. In the end, Norris could only manage 7th on the grid, which is quite disappointing. Sainz, alongside him, may also feel he underperformed. The final row is Perez and Piastri. The Mexican was unlucky this time as he was affected by a third sector yellow flag brought about by Piastri’s decision to enjoy some off-road rally action (either that or he slipped on some water as the rain arrived).


I’ve backed Norris to win the sprint each way at 10.5. I agree with the markets that he’s top 2 to ‘win’ qualifying for it, and may even start on pole, and that means he has a strong chance of finishing in the top 2, more than the markets imply. The underperformance of qualifying has led to McLaren, particularly Norris, having longer odds there than he should.

The stupid sprint nonsense is on at half six, while the actual race on Sunday starts at 5pm UK time.

 

Morris Dancer

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