F1 kicks off its’ final double-header of 2022 season with a trip to Interlagos, Sao Paulo, Brazil for the 2022 Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
Despite the driver and constructors’ titles both already having been wrapped up, there is still plenty to play for as Sergio Perez and Charles Leclerc scrap over the vice-champion honour, whilst Ferrari look to finish second ahead of Mercedes in the constructors’ race.
This weekend also sees the return of the Sprint weekend format for the final time in 2022, meaning that traditional Qualifying shifts to Friday but rain is reportedly forecast which could add extra unpredictability to this iconic circuit.
Now, here is everything that you need to know ahead of 2022 Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
Track Guide
Circuit: Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace
Laps: 71
Race Distance: 305.909km
Tyre Compounds: C2, C3 & C4
Schedule
| Date | Session | Time (GMT) |
| Friday 11 November | FP1 | 3:30pm |
| Friday 11 November | Qualifying | 7:00pm |
| Saturday 12 November | FP2 | 3:30pm |
| Saturday 12 November | Sprint Qualifying | 7:30pm |
| Sunday 13 November | Race | 6:00pm |
Four Key Pointers
- Rain and thunderstorms are forecast for various parts of the weekend at time of writing, meaning that teams could face tough tyre decisions depending on conditions throughout each session.
- Although Red Bull will be the team to beat, Mercedes have made a huge step forward and will be looking for another competitive weekend after impressing in Mexico competitively.
- Last season’s Sprint Qualifying saw the C4 tyre prove crucial at the start against the C3 tyre, which could mean interesting tyre strategies although expect C2 & C3 tyres to be favoured for main race.
- With several slow and medium speed corners, it will be crucial to ensure that cars are set up to maximise traction but they will need to find balance for maximising straight line speed too.
Last Time Out
F1’s visit to Sao Paulo was mired in controversy as Lewis Hamilton claimed pole position for the Sprint Qualifying, yet was disqualified for a technical infringement on his rear wing after Red Bull’s Max Verstappen illegally touched the offending part.
Valtteri Bottas went on to win the Sprint and claim pole for the main race as Hamilton stormed through to fifth, only to be demoted five places on the main race grid due to taking a new Internal-Combustion Engine.
That penalty eventually didn’t stop the seven-time champion as he stormed from 10th on the grid to victory with a stunning drive, amidst getting brutally forced off-track by Verstappen on Lap 48 with Stewards ruling no investigation was necessary in the final flashpoint of that weekend.
Leave a Reply