Top 3 Interlagos Grand Prix’s ever!
The Brazilian Grand Prix takes place at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace (Interlagos to you and me) in Sao Paulo this weekend and its got us thinking about this hidden gem of a circuit. By far one of the best track layouts on the calendar with its great mix of fast and slow corners. It has created some great races in the past so in the build up to this weekend I wanted to create the definitive list of the top 3 (obviously in my opinion).
Here it is then with links in the headlines to watch back through these moments:
In 3rd place: Brazilian Grand Prix 2008 - Hamilton wins the Championship.
No list about Interlagos can be complete without this race. A modern classic. Hamilton not having a great race but some how finding his way to get the exact amount of points needed to deny Massa. Oh and it was done on the last lap and pretty much the last corner of the race. It was wild and you can really feel the elation of the (British) commentators and all the fans. At the same time it is bitter for Massa as he slowly finds out what has happened behind him after just winning the race. Even more so now watching this knowing he would never go on to win a championship. Also worth mentioning, it might not be what Glock wants us to remember him by but the last lap of this race will forever be the reason.
In 2nd place: Brazilian Grand Prix 2021 - Hamilton comeback.
Last years race was spectacular. Watching Hamilton come back first in the Sprint Race and then in the Main race was beautiful. More so was the battle between him and the fierce Verstappen. Fuelled by all the various scraps that had come before. Verstappen even resorts to pushing the title defender off the track trying to keep him behind and also test the boundaries of the FIA’s rules on defending position on track. Yet Hamilton still rises up to pass and shut the door firmly on Verstappen. It was truly epic to see. Last years title fight was great wasn’t it, think I might go re-watch the season highlights again for the 44th time.
In 1st place: Brazilian Grand Prix 1992 - Senna wins his first Home Grand Prix.
Okay so I wasn’t old enough to watch this race live - I was barely old enough to form sentences - but of course this race has to be top of our list. Senna was one of the greats and his first ever home race win was done in such a memorable way. The Gearbox failing and the rain coming in. The way the crowd reacts and gets behind him. Then when its all over the screams of pain and of victory are emotional to hear. Those iconic red and white McLaren’s. This race has everything you need to get pumped for this weekend.
So that’s the top 3. I know there will be some of you that wish I had put Fittipadli’s 1973 win at the first Championship included Interlagos Grand Prix or hate that two of my list centre around a British driver therefore showing my British bias… all I can say is that I would love to debate it and for everyone to comment below your favourites.
Lets figure out a better list together - TB