Brazil, a country celebrated for its football and samba, also holds a cherished legacy in Formula 1. The nation has produced legendary champions like Ayrton Senna, Nelson Piquet, and Emerson Fittipaldi, whose successes are etched in the sport’s history.
Since 1972, Brazil has hosted a marquee Formula 1 event, the São Paulo Grand Prix, which continues to captivate fans worldwide. In 2024, the race was held on 3 November at the iconic Interlagos circuit.
As many who played on deadspin.com expected, World Champion Max Verstappen claimed victory in challenging wet conditions. However, the São Paulo Grand Prix generated significant reactions—both positive and negative—from drivers and teams alike.
Reactions to Verstappen’s Victory
McLaren’s Lando Norris, who finished sixth, sparked controversy with his post-race comments. Norris claimed Verstappen’s win was “not talent, it was luck.”
Much of the discussion revolved around Verstappen’s car performance in wet conditions, which gave him an apparent edge during the rain-soaked race.
Red Bull defended their driver, insisting Verstappen’s success was entirely merit-based. A team representative explained:
“All of Max’s overtakes were on the brakes, not on the straights. We chose to use the new engine here because this is a track where overtaking is possible.”
“All of Max’s overtakes were on the brakes, not on the straights. We chose to use the new engine here because this is a track where overtaking is possible.”
Formula 1 Driver Performances in São Paulo
Mercedes addressed Lewis Hamilton’s struggles, attributing his 10th-place finish to adverse weather conditions. Hamilton faced multiple off-track excursions during the race, hindered by the wet surface—a stark contrast to the dry circuits where he typically excels.
Red Bull’s Liam Lawson, who secured ninth, described himself as “lucky” to have avoided major incidents despite skidding off the track once during the race.
Sergio Pérez, also of Red Bull, labelled the weekend as “one of my best” in terms of pace and performance, despite finishing 11th. Pérez highlighted his strong rhythm during practice and the opening stages of the race as personal positives.
The Event’s Impact and Success
Despite the challenges posed by rain, the São Paulo Grand Prix was widely regarded as a resounding success, particularly for the city’s tourism and hospitality sectors.
The event attracted 291,717 spectators to Interlagos, setting a new attendance record for F1 in Brazil and marking a 9.25% increase from 2023. The audience’s youthfulness underscored F1’s growing appeal among younger generations in Brazil.
Local businesses and hotels benefited from the influx of thousands of tourists, with Brazil’s trademark warmth and hospitality on full display.
The success of the São Paulo GP has even paved the way for broader motorsport opportunities in the city. São Paulo is reportedly in discussions to host a U.S. IndyCar race starting in 2026, pending formal agreement with local authorities.
As F1 continues to thrive in Brazil, the São Paulo Grand Prix remains a highlight of the calendar, celebrated not just for its sporting drama but also for its significant cultural and economic contributions.
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