Lewis Hamilton's honorary home race - 2022 Sao Paolo GP Preview

It's officially the Sao Paolo GP - even though we're accustomed to calling it the Brazilian GP over the years! Call it what you may, this is Lewis Hamilton's 'honorary' home race after he was granted honorary citizenship of Brazil - a heart-warming gesture, to say the least.

For our regulars, you already know that we will be hosting this season's final live race watchalong for this weekend's race. The super host and pundit will the legendary Peter Windsor. The event is FREE and open to all fans! 

Join our race watchalong sessions with the award-winning journalist & team manager (Williams & Ferrari), Peter Windsor. 

On the live stream, you can discuss with Peter & our hosts various race-related topics - performances, insights & more. Join us to enhance your real-time race viewing experience!

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In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil, @f1statsguru & Kunal preview the 2022 Sao Paolo Grand Prix. We expect 'altitude' and 'elevation changes' to the buzzwords this weekend. And of course, a driver or three might compare racing at Interlagos to racing at a go-kart circuit!

And of course, we've got two races this weekend - Will Max Verstappen win them both? Or will altitude bring Mercedes into play again? They've been tantalisingly close to a race win in the last two Grand Prix weekends. Will Ferrari continue to struggle? Tune in!

(Season 2022, Episode 68)

Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, Sundaram Ramaswami and Kunal Shah

Image courtesy: Mercedes

**Race Preview: Brazilian Grand Prix**

- The Brazilian Grand Prix, also known as the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, is set to take place at the Interlagos circuit.

- Lewis Hamilton, who recently received honorary Brazilian citizenship, will be competing in this race, which is considered his 'honorary' home race.

- The Inside Line F1 Podcast team, including hosts Soumil Arora, Sundaram Ramaswami, and Kunal Shah, will be hosting a live race watch-along session for fans to join and discuss the race.

- The race weekend will feature a sprint race on Saturday, followed by the main Grand Prix on Sunday.

- Max Verstappen is the current favorite to win the race, having secured his second world championship title.

- Mercedes is looking to secure a race win, having come close in the previous two Grand Prix weekends.

- Ferrari's struggles are expected to continue, as they have been facing difficulties throughout the season.

- The race could be affected by altitude and weather conditions, which may favor Mercedes.

- The battle for second place in the drivers' championship between Sergio Perez and Charles Leclerc is also a point of interest.

- The race could potentially offer surprises, with teams like McLaren or Alpine having a chance to make it to the podium.

- The track layout of Interlagos, with its elevation changes and overtaking opportunities, is expected to make for an exciting race.

- Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda have provided insights into the unique characteristics of the Interlagos circuit.

- Track limits and tire wear are important factors to consider during the race.

- The race is expected to have multiple safety car appearances and two-stop strategies.

- The possibility of a Mercedes win in the sprint race is seen as a potential advertisement for the sprint race format.

- Lewis Hamilton's recent honorary citizenship and his return to the top five in the championship standings are notable achievements.

- Fernando Alonso's chances of a podium finish are discussed, considering his recent bad luck and his strong record at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

- Mick Schumacher's situation at Haas and the rumors surrounding Nico Hulkenberg's potential replacement are mentioned.

- The impact of the new sponsor MoneyGram on Haas' financial situation is briefly touched upon.

# Inside Line F1 Podcast Episode 68: Sao Paolo Grand Prix Preview

## Introduction

- The upcoming Sao Paolo Grand Prix, often referred to as the Brazilian GP, holds special significance for Lewis Hamilton, who was granted honorary citizenship in Brazil.
- The podcast hosts, Soumil, @f1statsguru, and Kunal, provide an exciting preview of the race weekend.

## Race Preview: Sao Paolo Grand Prix

- The high altitude and elevation changes at the Interlagos circuit are expected to be key factors influencing the race.
- Speculation about drivers comparing the race to a go-kart circuit due to its challenging nature.
- The possibility of two races this weekend, with Max Verstappen potentially extending his lead in Formula One history.
- Mercedes' recent close calls to a race win and Ferrari's struggles are also topics of discussion.

## Haas Driver Lineup Speculation

- The hosts discuss the rumors surrounding Haas' potential driver lineup for the upcoming season.
- The team's focus on stability and avoiding accident-prone drivers like Romain Grosjean, Nikita Mazepin, and Mick Schumacher.
- The possibility of Haas aiming for a more experienced driver rather than a rookie.

## Pierre Gasly's Race Ban Risk

- Pierre Gasly is one race away from receiving a race ban due to accumulated penalty points.
- The hosts express surprise at this development, given Gasly's generally clean racing record.

## Sprint Race and Max Verstappen's Record

- The upcoming sprint race format adds an extra layer of excitement to the weekend.
- Max Verstappen has the opportunity to further extend his lead in the record books.

## Live Race Watch Along Invitation

- The hosts remind listeners about the upcoming live race watch along session with legendary journalist and team manager Peter Windsor.
- The event is free and open to all fans, offering an enhanced race viewing experience with expert insights and discussions.
- Listeners are encouraged to join the live stream and interact with Peter and the hosts during the race.

## Conclusion

- The hosts bid farewell to the listeners and invite them to join the live race watch along session.
- They promise to return on Monday with a comprehensive race review.