As expected, not everyone managed to get into the settings window, but there were also those who took advantage of the opponents’ failures. This is especially important in the leader group, where it directly affects the favorites in the fight for the title and vice-championship in the Constructors’ Cup. About the reasons for the pace of the teams and pilots and what to expect in the sprint – in this material.
McLaren
As expected, McLaren was in very good form from the start, traditionally starting the weekend strong and fine-tuning, which is especially important in the sprint format. The key at Interlagos is a good balance between aerodynamics and mechanical grip, as well as an optimal compromise between high-speed straights and corners. A wide operating window and good speed in medium-speed turns suited the MCL39.
Mainly the gain occurs in the second sector. If on the straights of the first and third sections, a number of rivals can still impose a struggle on the “orange” cars, then on the short but technical second sector, McLaren makes a difference, even with a less loaded rear wing.
As for the Norris-Piastre matchup, it looks like Oscar has partially returned to the form he showed before the US and Mexico stages, but is still trailing his partner. If in practice the pace was similar on one lap, then already in the sprint qualification the difference became more noticeable.
The main win of the Brit is in two areas: at the beginning of the lap in the connection between the first and second turns and at the end – at the exit from the 12th. Both zones require maximum curb attack and confidence when pressing the gas pedal, and it seems that this is exactly what the Australian lacks. It is interesting that they pass the second sector differently, which can be seen by the fluctuation of the delta on the telemetry, but in the end the time remains almost the same. This is the most tire-demanding part of the track. Perhaps this will affect the rate of tire wear in the sprint and race and one of them will have to adjust the style according to the partner.
In the racing simulation, Norris was again unmatched: he was ahead of his partner by about 0.2 seconds from the lap, although he drove a slightly shorter distance, but this was only practice. In the sprint, the trend may change, especially since rain is expected, which will definitely play its role.
Mercedes
The Silver Arrows, unlike McLaren, could not be so sure of their strength on this track. On the one hand, the conditions suit them well and in the era of ground effect, Mercedes has always been fast in Brazil. But the circuit requires cornering, braking with the steering wheel turned, which is its weak point in this year’s Mercedes. Such actions lead to an imbalance of the rear part.
It was partially resolved. The team managed to find a near-perfect setup for the W16 in such short training conditions. The car looked fast and balanced.
Team rookie Kimi Antonelli put together a good, if not perfect, lap. The Italian made a few small mistakes in the second sector that could have cost him his second sprint pole in his career. But even so, he managed to wedge himself between the two McLaren pilots. His partner could join him as well, separating Norris and Piastre even more, which would play into Lando’s hands. However, he made an even more serious mistake and had to catch the car. George Russell had the potential to complete a lap very close to that shown by his partner.
Ferrari
For the Scuderia, it was key to get into the settings working window. Speed can be found here, but unevenness on the track prevents them from setting the car low, as it was in Singapore or the USA, for example. But there, with the course of events after the first sessions, it was possible to find a balance and allow to reduce the clearance as much as possible. Whether it will work here is a question.
However, the balance of the cars is good and should allow them to attack, which is especially important in the rain. But you can count on a good result at the moment rather than because everything points to it, but only if you are lucky.
It will be crucial for Ferrari not to impress here and now, but to find answers to their problems and squeeze the maximum out of the settings. So far they’ve bet on straights, but that hasn’t worked.
Getty Images/Global Images Ukraine Red Bull
Unlike McLaren and Mercedes, who were quick to adjust from the start, at the least opportune moment, Red Bull once again showed their nasty habit of going slowly into the weekend.
The basic settings for Red Bull are quite difficult to choose due to the demandingness of the car and the need for everything to work comprehensively. Lately, it’s been through a new approach by the team, a better understanding of the car and maybe even a bit of luck. But this time the expected speed left much to be desired. Verstappen was fast in the first and third sectors, but in the second everything was disastrous.
The car just didn’t have enough grip and behaved unpredictably – the Dutchman lost more than 0.3 seconds here alone, which for a short track in Sao Paulo is a serious loss and about 0.5 seconds on standard tracks like Bahrain. The race pace also seemed uncertain.
However, there is still hope for a breakthrough. Although Red Bull had a very mediocre start to the weekend, they often manage to find the right direction after the first practice sessions. Maybe this time, after the sprint parts, Max Verstappen will be able to surprise in qualifying. But if not, then, probably, it will be possible to start crossing out his name among the contenders for the title with a pencil.
Aston Martin
Aston Martin became those who took advantage of the problems of the tops. The team is also progressing and understanding the car more and more, although the results do not reflect this due to the banal lack of updates.
The British team often has good speed at the start. The most revealing in this regard was the stage in the Netherlands, where there were even bids to fight for the podium at the beginning. Here, the closed park rule and successful qualification can bring the team very important points.
As always in the season, the best among the Aston Martins was Fernando Alonso. The Spaniard was on the pace of Leclerc in the Ferrari at the start, but added on in the second sector and was almost the best there, just behind Norris. In the third he was also nearby. This made it possible to occupy a very high fifth position at the start, giving up only 0.001 seconds to Russell in the Mercedes. Stroll also did well, becoming the best of the rest – seventh.
Getty Images/Global Images Ukraine
Source: sport.ua