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Racing in Paradise: The Brazilian Grand Prix

Writer's picture: Fabiola AcevesFabiola Aceves

With the Brazilian Grand Prix approaching this week, there is a lot to expect from the last sprint weekend of the season. The Interlagos circuit is most famously known for hosting the musical festival Lollapalooza. However, the loud music can be replaced by the roaring of the engines and the loud fans.


The first Brazilian Grand Prix took place in 1972 but it was not yet a part of the championship rounds until the following year in 1973. Coincidentally the first winner of the Brazilian Grand Prix was none other than Brazilian Emerson Fittipaldi. Brazil has produced many F1 drivers including Ayrton Senna.



Courtesy of F1.com

This upcoming grand prix in Brazil will conclude the last sprint weekend of the season. In case you may need a refresher, sprint weekend works slightly differently than a normal weekend. On Friday, there is a practice in the morning and then the qualifying session to the grid for the grand prix on Sunday. On Saturday there is then the sprint shootout to set the grid for the sprint which happens later that Saturday afternoon. The weekend then concludes as it normally would with the race happening on Sunday.


The Brazilian Grand Prix is a 71 lap race that measures around 4.309 km. The circuit has 15 turns and three DRS zones which are certain to be a challenge for any driver. The total racing distance for the track is 305.879 km. Valtteri Bottas currently holds the record for the fastest lap at one minute with 10 seconds and 540 milliseconds, he acquired this record the year 2018.


Courtesy of f1destinations.com

The Brazilian Grand Prix is very different from other races due to its lively atmosphere. There is no doubt that when someone thinks about the Brazilian Grand Prix, they think of the colors and bright aura that the country brings. At the Grand Prix there are many different places you can explore during race weekends. One of the most common places that fans do is visit Ayrton Senna’s grave. Senna’s life was lost due to an accident caused by racing in F1. Senna is one of the most beloved legends in Brazil and continues to be honored by the country today.


Regarding legends in Brazil, Lewis Hamilton is sure to be considered one of them. Brazilian fans have grown very fond of the British driver throughout his career in Formula 1. Last year, Hamilton received honorary citizenship from Brazil. Hamilton has grown to love the country of Brazil due to the love of his icon Ayrton Senna.


“I want to dedicate this honor to my hero Ayrton Senna,” said Hamilton in an article written by apnews.com


Courtesy of AP Photo/ Eraldo Peres

The Interlagos circuit has been known to produce many intense battles between drivers, especially to this day in age with Verstappen and Hamilton. In 2021, when the championship was neck and neck between these two the second to last race of the season only added fire to the fuel. Hamilton ended up winning the race which caused Abu Dhabi 2021 to be the final deciding factor for the championship. Last time around in 2022, it was no different. The two drivers collided after an early safety car restart. The Red Bull driver was penalized for the incident and many fans were disappointed.


One thing about the Interlagos circuit is that it never disappoints. With the atmosphere that the country and fans provide, the Brazilian Grand Prix is an event that should be added to everyone’s bucket list.


Courtesy of Mark Thompson/Getty Images

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