Formula 1 | F1 Brazilian Grand Prix 2022 presentation and schedule

Formula 1 kicks off the final two race weeks of the 2022 season with the penultimate round at Interlagos. The Carlos Pace circuit actually hosts the 21st race of the year, the Brazilian Grand Prix.

While there are no longer any sporting issues with the awarding of titles, we can finally start a Grand Prix without Red Bull’s budget overruns being the main topic of discussion.

So we can hope for a weekend that is more focused on sport, but also more comfortable on the track. The Interlagos circuit can contribute to this animation, as well as the unstable weather in Brazil this season.

Plot details

Renowned for its unpredictable weather, spin, tight field and ability to put on eye-popping spectacle in title races, Interlagos is a legendary circuit on the F1 calendar.

Among the fifteen corners, the most famous are the first two, whose names pay homage to the great Ayrton Senna. Rivals drive it counter-clockwise, dipping it into Senna’s ‘S’ line, which leads straight to Reta Oposta, where DRS can be used.

The second sector is very rhythmic and technical before the track climbs the hill to pass through the noisy grandstand.

Turn 1 – A tricky hairpin turn at the end of a long straight. Its topology makes it difficult, especially where drivers do the biggest braking: only 110 km/h from 330.

Turn 2 – It is important to exit the pit from Turn 1 to maintain the rhythm in Turn 2, the very fast Turn 3 and finally the first DRS activation zone.

Turn 4 – The first zone of DRS activation allows for overtaking before a fairly quick turn.

Turn 5/6/7 – These fast corners, especially turns 6 and 7, are a real test for the left-hand tires. This is followed by the slower turn 8. From Turn 2 to the entrance to Turn 6, competitors accelerate for seventeen seconds and only touch the brakes in Turn 4.

MGU-K regenerates energy in braking zones, especially in this intermediate sector.

Turn 8 – The flat curbs in turns 8 and 10 leave plenty of leeway to find the best string on these slower turns.

Turn 12 – Crucial for a fast lap as exit speed is a must going into the hill and pit straight. The internal combustion engine will be pushed to its limits by the 40 meter descent between the exit of Turn 12 and the braking point of Turn 1.

Pit straight – The second DRS activation zone extends here by 500 meters to allow more overtaking opportunities.

Existing forces

Unbeaten since the Singapore Grand Prix and winner of eight of the last nine races, Max Verstappen will undoubtedly be the favorite for this Grand Prix. A winner in 2019, he was very comfortable there in 2018 and 2021 as well.

Last year, Lewis Hamilton was able to beat him thanks to a new engine and after a fierce battle between the two men that at times exceeded the limits of reason. For a Mercedes F1 driver, it will be almost impossible to think about victory.

On the other hand, we could potentially witness the confirmation of Mercedes returning to Ferrari’s level, or even a bit further. Behind, the fight between Alpine F1 and McLaren will continue for fourth place in the championship.

Calendar of the Brazilian Grand Prix

For the last time this season, F1 goes to America with evening hours for European viewers. However, they will be less delayed than the US and Mexican GPs.

– Friday, November 11

16:30-17:30: Free Practice 1

20:00-21:00: Qualifying

– Saturday, November 12

16:30-17:30: Free practice 2

20:30-21:00: Sprint

– Sunday, November 13

19:00-21:00: Race