Formula 1 - Brazilian Grand Prix

Bruno Fleckenstein

In Sao Paulo, the weather was unpredictable. While it rained cats and dogs in qualifying and some of the drivers didn't know how to get their tires up to temperature, the race Sunday was marked by uncertainty about whether the rain would start or not, and this was the case right up to the end. Red Bull stationed people all over the city and in the favelas to monitor the weather situation in order to be able to react properly immediately during the race if necessary.

Fernando Alonso on 3 behind Nico Rosberg on 2 and Sebastian Vettel on pole. Those were the first three on the grid. Behind them Webber, Hamilton and Grosjean. The Torro Rosso drivers on 7 Ricciardo and on 8 Vergne were unexpected to be found so far in front, especially because Vergne almost retired in Q1 of qualifying. Massa on 9 improved to his race in Austin Texas and Hülkenberg on 10 for Sauber formed the end of the top ten.

The race was as unpredictable as the weather
And so no one would have expected Nico Rosberg to overtake Sebastian Vettel at the start because the latter "slept through" the start. But he didn't hold the lead for very long. The speed of the Mercedes was too weak and Vettel overtook Rosberg at the end of the first lap to then build up his usual lead. Webber, who also dropped back at the start, fought his way back to the front, passing first Hamilton, then Rosberg and finally Alonso. On lap 47, Red Bull was due for its second pit stop, but the mechanics had forgotten Vettel's tires. About 13 seconds passed, and Mark Webber, who was also waiting behind his teammate, also lost valuable seconds as a result. But in the end, nothing changed in the Red Bull's double lead and double victory. Mark Webber thanked the fans and his driver colleagues during the interview and said goodbye to Formula 1 with a second place. Felipe Massa, driving in intermediate position 4 behind his stablemate Fernando Alonso, collected a drive-through penalty for crossing the white line of the pit entry. He was understandably upset about this, because it cost him a good classification and the possible podium place, but also Ferrari valuable points. But Mercedes was not to fare any better. Hamilton and Bottas touched each other on lap 44. Bottas retired, Hamilton then had a puncture. He lost his good interim classification and finished the race in ninth place. Also surprising was the good performance of the McLarens. From 14th and 15th on the grid, Button improved to 4th and Perez to 6th when crossing the chequered flag. Last but not least, Fernando Alonso made it to the podium once again with his third place, but Ferrari lost the constructors' race to Mercedes.

The next season begins as usual in Melbourne Australia
It is to be hoped that the next season, again brings more variety. Especially with the new regulations of the FIA, e.g. fuel consumption max. 100 kg in the race etc.. So that there will be no too dominant teams. And that everything is to be counted on, also with a again strengthened Ferrari team !?. Ferrari has hired two top drivers with Alonso and Räikkönen. How the teams react to the changes and what they are able to achieve. We will experience it in the new year in the next season.

Ranking GP Brazil 2013

1 Sebastian Vettel Red Bull Racing, 1:32:36.300
2 Mark Webber Red Bull Racing, +10.4 sec.
3 Fernando Alonso Ferrari, +18.9 sec.
4 Jenson Button McLaren, +37.3 sec.
5 Nico Rosberg Mercedes, +39.0 sec.
6 Sergio Perez McLaren, +44.0 sec.
7 Felipe Massa Ferrari, +49.1 sec.
8 Nico Hulkenberg Sauber-Ferrari, +64.2 sec.
9 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes, +72.9 sec.
10 Daniel Ricciardo Toro Rosso, + 1 lap
11 Paul di Resta Force India, + 1 lap
12 Esteban Gutierrez Sauber, + 1 lap
13 Adrian Sutil Force India, + 1 lap
14 Heikki Kovalainen Lotus, + 1 lap
15 Jean-Eric Vergne Toro Rosso, + 1 lap
16 Pastor Maldonado Williams, + 1 lap
17 Jules Bianchi Marussia, + 2 laps
18 Giedo van der Garde Caterham, + 2 laps
19 Max Chilton Marussia, + 2 laps
Out of service
Charles Pic Caterham, lap 58 Mechanical problems
Valtteri Bottas Williams, lap 45 accident
Romain Grosjean Lotus, lap 2 engine