F1 Raceweek: Massa´s second Sao Paulo farewell, Ferrari´s threat and a Force India battle
Lewis Hamilton became a four-time world champion last time out in Mexico and the dominant Mercedes driver begins his title celebrations at the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Hamilton has won nine races this season to seal his latest crown with two rounds remaining, his ninth place in Mexico City enough to end Sebastian Vettel’s hopes of catching him.
His success completes the double for Mercedes after the Silver Arrows wrapped up the constructors’ championship in Austin.
Attention turns to Brazil this weekend with Felipe Massa set for another emotional weekend at his home circuit, while the future of Ferrari is also in question.
With that and more, we take a look at the talk emerging from the world of Formula One ahead of the penultimate race of the year.
Welcome back! Hope to give you brand new memories, rain or shine! @MercedesAMGF1 ! https://t.co/DmC82Qmsli
— Autódromo Interlagos (@InterlagosTrack) November 6, 2017
FELIPE’S FAREWELL
Twelve months ago Felipe Massa was on his way to retirement, and he will be in a similar position at Interlagos this weekend.
Having been lured out back by Williams to partner Lance Stroll, the Brazilian has had a solid – if unspectacular – bonus season.
However, the final two races will be his last in F1 after he announced his intention to retire after the final grand prix in Abu Dhabi.
“I am looking forward to ending on a high note and preparing for a new chapter in my life,” said Massa.
Paul Di Resta and Robert Kubica are in in contention to replace Massa, but let’s not rul out another U-turn!
BYE BYE FERRARI?
Another dramatic development since Mexico City is the future of Ferrari… yes Ferrari!
After F1’s owners revealed their engine blueprint for 2021 – which they hope will make the sport more of a level playing field – Ferrari expressed their concerns at plans for cheaper, louder and simpler power units.
On our way to #BrazilGP. #ForzaFerrari pic.twitter.com/2LyD7txtfN
— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) November 6, 2017
Ferrari president Sergio Marchionne went as far to threaten the Italian manufacturer would walk away from the sport after the 2020 season if the plans don’t change.
“It [F1] has been part of our DNA since the day we were born,” he said. “But if we change the sandbox to the point where it becomes an unrecognisable sandbox, I don’t want to play anymore.”
PEREZ v OCON BACK ON!
Force India drivers Esteban Ocon and Sergio Perez have had their differences this season.
The duo clashed in Canada and Azerbaijan earlier in the campaign and twice collided at Spa, when Ocon accused Perez of trying to “kill” him with his overtaking efforts.
Any bad blood was put to bed at the Italian Grand Prix and team orders were put in place to stop the pair racing each other.
However, now that Force India have secured fourth place in the constructors’ championship they will be free to battle for places in Sao Paulo.
“We can be more aggressive with strategies and take more risks,” said boss Vijay Mallya.
#TB from last year in Brazil, a great race but a crazy one !
Une superbe, mais folle course pour moi l’année dernière au Brésil! #EO31 pic.twitter.com/ysW7Wz0mbM
— Esteban Ocon (@OconEsteban) November 7, 2017
ALONSO EYES STRONG FINISH
It has been a season to forget for McLaren after problems with their Honda power units have seen them struggle to make any progress.
Fernando Alonso and Stoffel Vandoorne have only collected 24 points between them, with the Spaniard suffering 10 retirements.
He was back in the points in Mexico, though, and the two-time world champion hopes McLaren can finish the year on a high before moving to Renault engines in 2018.
“This circuit should suit our car better than the last couple of tracks,” said Alonso.
“After the USA and Mexico, we’re looking ahead to Brazil and Abu Dhabi with a bit more expectation as we knew those tracks would be really difficult for us.
“This will surely be a tricky race and there are always risks to take with the weather and strategy, but if we can start the race from where we should be in qualifying, it could give us a good chance to score some points.”
