Spr-interlagos - 2023 Sao Paulo GP Preview

3 races to go for the 2023 Formula 1 season to conclude...or make that 4 if you are one of those who counts a Sprint as an extra race! Btw, is it the Brazil Grand Prix or the Sao Paulo Grand Prix - what name did you grow up to?

Interlagos is a very popular racing venue. It stands for 'between the lakes' in Portuguese. If there's one circuit we don't mind the Sprint at, it's this. Lewis Hamilton's charge to the front in the Sprint and Grand Prix in 2021 is still fresh in our memory.

In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah preview the 2023 Sao Paulo Grand Prix. Will we see a different team step up to claim P2 behind Max Verstappen? Will Verstappen's dominant win-all-races continue at Interlagos? Yes, Red Bull Racing messed it up at Interlagos last year. But most Formula 1 teams don't repeat mistakes. 

But what do the stats say? As @f1statsguru points out, the pole sitter of the Hungarian Grand Prix has gone to win the Sao Paulo Grand Prix since many years. If this trend continues, Lewis Hamilton will win top honours this Sunday.

In this episode, the trio talk about the unique characteristics of Interlagos, expectant weather this weekend, Williams' chances and if Aston Martin's decline in form and results will continue.

We've see three different pole sitters in the last three years - remember Kevin Magnussen? And we've had three different race winners in the last three years. Let's see who takes top honours this weekend...two times over!

Tune in!

(Season 2023, Episode 59)

Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah

Image courtesy: Red Bull Content Pool

**2023 Sao Paulo Grand Prix Preview: Formula 1's Final Sprint Race**

- The 2023 Formula 1 season concludes with three races remaining, including the Sao Paulo Grand Prix in Brazil.

- The race takes place at the Interlagos circuit, known as "between the lakes" in Portuguese.

- The sprint format will be utilized for the final time this season, offering unique challenges and excitement.

- Mercedes has been competitive in recent races, raising the possibility of a challenge to Red Bull Racing's dominance.

- McLaren has performed well in sprint events, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri expected to compete for strong positions.

- Track limits and driver etiquette will be key factors to watch, particularly at corners where drivers may be tempted to push opponents off the track.

- Williams driver Alex Albon has scored points in seven races this season, but he needs to improve his performance against Lewis Hamilton.

- Interlagos is known for its fast and flowing sectors, requiring a balance between low drag and aero efficiency.

- Rain is forecast for the only practice session, adding an element of uncertainty and potential chaos to the weekend.

- Nico Hulkenberg holds the unique distinction of having a pole position at Brazil in 2010 with Williams.

- Sergio Perez's recent struggles and Fernando Alonso's declining position in the championship standings are storylines to follow.

- Rumors of Aston Martin's potential sale and driver swaps are circulating, adding intrigue to the off-track drama.

- Predictions for the race favor Lewis Hamilton, given his momentum and the historical pattern of Hungarian Grand Prix pole sitters winning in Brazil.

- Aston Martin's struggles are expected to continue, leaving Fernando Alonso fans disappointed.

- The Inside Line F1 podcast will return for a race review on Monday and provide updates on upcoming events in Las Vegas and Abu Dhabi.