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©1999-2023 Crash Media Group
The total or partial reproduction of text, photographs or illustrations is not permitted in any form.
How the 2021 F1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix unfolded
An as-it-happened account of what happened in F1's Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
After being absent from the 2020 season calendar due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Formula 1 returns to racing in Brazil this weekend.
A fan favourite, Interlagos hosts this weekend’s 2021 Sao Paulo Grand Prix as Max Verstappen looks to tighten his grip on this year’s title.
The Dutchman dominated the race last time out from third on the grid in Mexico to extend his lead over Lewis Hamilton to 19 points.
In recent years, Brazil has been a favourable track as like Mexico it is at altitude.
Verstappen would have won in 2018 had it not been for a collision with Esteban Ocon, while in 2019, the Red Bull driver reigned supreme.
Sprint qualifying makes its return for this weekend with five more points awarded on Saturday - 3, 2, 1.
Recent Brazil F1 Winners:
2019: Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
2018: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
2017: Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari)
2016: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
2015: Nico Rosberg (Mercedes)
2014: Nico Rosberg (Mercedes)
2013: Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull)
2012: Jenson Button (McLaren)
2011: Mark Webber (Red Bull)
2010: Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull)
The remainder of the 2021 F1 calendar:
Sao Paulo Grand Prix - November 14
Qatar Grand Prix - November 21
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix - December 5
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - December 12
That's that - keep across crash.net for all the post-race reaction.
Top 10: Hamilton, Verstappen, Bottas, Perez (FL), Leclerc, Sainz, Gasly, Ocon, Alonso and Norris.
Hamilton wins in Sao Paulo! Verstappen and Bottas join him on the podium.
Red Bull pits Perez for softs to get the fastest lap off Hamilton.
Three laps to go - Hamilton is now 7.7s clear of Verstpapen, while Bottas is 6.4s behind the Red Bull driver.
The order on Lap 66: Hamilton, Verstappen, Bottas, Perez, Leclerc, Sainz, Gasly, Alonso, Ocon and Norris.
Wolff to Bottas: "Valtteri, go and get him!"
Order on Lap 60: Hamilton, Verstappen, Bottas, Perez, Leclerc, Sainz, Alonso, Ocon, Gasly and Norris.
It's third time lucky for Hamilton as he breezes past Hamilton into Turn 4 for the lead of the race!
Verstappen defends into Turn 1 and then into Turn 4 to keep the lead from Hamilton.
The order on Lap 57: Verstappen, Hamilton, Bottas, Perez, Leclerc, Sainz, Alonso, Ocon, Gasly and Norris.
No investigation needed say the stewards - Hamilton and Verstappen at Turn 4.
"Things are heating up at the front, there could be penalties incoming" - Bottas is told.
The incident between Verstappen and Hamilton has been noted at Turn 4.
Wow! Side-by-side action between Hamilton and Verstappen into Turn 4.
Hamilton is now in DRS range of Verstappen for the win.
Mercedes pits Bottas from second and he rejoins in fifth.
Wow! Red Bull brings Verstappen in from the lead for a new set of hards.
Order on Lap 39: Verstappen, Hamilton, Bottas, Perez, Leclerc, Sainz, Gasly, Ricciardo, Ocon and Vettel.