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Tyres NorthamptonIt's the beginning of the end for Formula One, with the first part of the final 2022 double-header coming up this weekend at the São Paulo Grand Prix. The penultimate round also doubles up as an F1 Sprint weekend, meaning there are two days of racing at the historic Interlagos circuit for you to enjoy.
The Grand Prix suffers a little from an identity crisis. The circuit is actually called the Autódromo José Carlos Pace rather than Interlagos, and this is the second São Paulo GP after a rebrand from the better-known Brazilian GP. Whatever you want to call it, this circuit in São Paulo has gifted F1 with some of the most memorable races in history and is a hugely popular track for drivers and fans. Will 2022's two races deliver another weekend to remember?
In a word – Sprint. Like it or loath it, the short-race format is sticking around in F1 for the long term, and last year's São Paulo Sprint is the shining example of how entertaining the Saturday race can be.
Lewis Hamilton staged a monumental fightback after a penalty demoted his starting position from first to last. The Brit climbed 15 places in the 100km dash, then went from P10 to P1 in the Grand Prix to record one of the all-time great comebacks.
Of course, a faster car starting at the back was the impetus behind the overtaking frenzy, and that's not guaranteed for 2022. But it does highlight that this is a circuit where passing is possible. With the aero regulations allowing cars to follow closely through the middle and high-speed corners – two things Interlagos has plenty of – there'll be action this weekend.
The last race in Mexico City had Pirelli's tyres last far longer than we've seen over the season, and it's the same C2, C3, and C4 compounds that are back for Brazil. However, this is not a high-altitude track with two long straights like last time, so don't expect a repeat of the endurance-style running from Red Bull and others in São Paulo.
If anything, it might be a surprise to see the dry tyres appear over the race weekend with the current weather forecast for the city. Thunderstorms and heavy rain look set to disrupt every day of F1 action, with the highest precipitation probabilities in the afternoon – i.e. just in time for Qualifying, Spring, and the Grand Prix. However, Brazil has also held races basking in the South American sunshine, so it's probably better to expect the unexpected.
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The form suggests that it's only Max Verstappen in with a chance of winning anything at the moment. However, Lewis Hamilton was in the best place to earn his first 2022 victory in Mexico, showing how far the Mercedes package has come over the season.
Hamilton bested Verstappen here last year and has often done well in São Paulo, with three P1 finishes at the track. The seven-time champion will want to maintain his record of winning in every season of his career and only has two 2022 races left to do so. However, Verstappen is record-chasing, too, as he seeks to surpass Michael Schumacher in the "season win percentage" table.
Elsewhere, George Russell looked close to grabbing pole position in Mexico before his poor start scuppered his race. Russell's still hunting his first career win, and another strong qualifying could help him at the track where he made his Grand Prix weekend debut in 2017. With Ferrari falling behind, it does seem to be between Red Bull and Mercedes once again for the top prize
There are evening slots for all three competitive sessions over the weekend. Qualifying kicks off at 7PM on Friday, Sprint at 7:30PM on Saturday, and Sunday's Grand Prix starts at 6PM.
Qualifying – On air: 6PM, Session start: 7PM Friday 11th October
Sprint – On air: 6:30PM, Session start: 7:30PM Saturday 12th October
Race – On air: 4:30PM, Session start: 6PM Sunday 13th October
Qualifying – 11:10PM Friday 11th October
Sprint – 1:10PM Saturday 12th October
Race – 10:55PM Sunday 13th October
Qualifying, Sprint & Race – It's warm and wet in Brazil right now and over the weekend. Thunderstorms and rain are in the forecast, but whether they hit the racetrack – or come at all – is another story. Prepare yourself for anything.