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Robbie Von’s F1 – Brazilian Grand Prix Preview

Posted on | Posted by Robbie Von

KIMI ANTONELLI. WORLD CHAMPION

Twenty years old. Second season in F1. World Champion.

Kimi Antonelli finished third in Mexico City and that was enough. He’s now the youngest World Champion in the history of the sport, beating Sebastian Vettel’s record by more than three years, and the first Italian champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953. Lando Norris summed it up best… “He’s made everyone else look silly.” Surprisingly humble from Lando and great to see!

And the kid’s keeping it simple. He’s not taking the number 1 next year. He’s sticking with 12, saying number 1 “has never been a good number” for him.

MAX WON THE RACE, FERRARI WON THE DRAMA

Lewis Hamilton put the Ferrari on pole. His first pole for the team, and his first anywhere since 2023. Then Ferrari’s own infighting ruined the race for them.

Leclerc went around the outside of Lewis at Turn 4 on the opening lap, both ran wide, and Max Verstappen sailed straight past the pair of them into the lead. Leclerc copped a five second penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage. Hamilton reckoned it should have been harsher, said Ferrari have “big problems” and wants “serious talks.” Fred Vasseur’s response was that the drivers need to respect the 2,000 people working for the team. Awkward. And potentially cost the team a one and two finish.

There was a red flag after Valtteri Bottas had a front left suspension failure and went into the wall at Turn 1. He was fine, thankfully. At the restart Max squeezed Hamilton out again, then held off Lewis right to the flag for his third win in four races. Our Max to win at $2.25 saluted. That’s three Verstappen wins we’ve tipped in the last four races.

And Kimi? Quiet, sensible race, then one late lunge on Leclerc for third. He said he backed off on the last lap because he “just couldn’t see the track.” Fair enough.

Russell had a shocker. A power deployment issue at the start, then a clash with Hadjar that earned a 10 second penalty. Sixth. To his credit, he posted that “2026 was not meant to be my year” and told Kimi he “truly deserves” it. Although he didn’t look happy straight after the race.

Liam Lawson went from the pit lane to seventh. Brilliant. Piastri finished seventh on the road but was dropped to 13th for his clash with Lindblad. Ryo Hirakawa filled in for Esteban Ocon (who has since been sacked) and scored a point on debut. Sergio Perez started his 300th Grand Prix at home. And Aston Martin had both cars out with Honda engine problems in the first six laps. What a horrible year for Aston!

WHERE THE CHAMPIONSHIP STANDS

Antonelli 380 and done. Behind him it’s on. Verstappen 261, Hamilton 259, Russell 250, Leclerc 245. Max has jumped to second, just two points clear of Lewis.

In the Constructors, Mercedes lead Ferrari 630 to 504. Outscore Ferrari by three or more points in Brazil and the teams’ title is theirs as well. The simplest way is a Mercedes win with the other car fourth or better. Red Bull have jumped McLaren for third, 382 to 365.

INTERLAGOS

Sao Paulo, November 6 to 8. 71 laps of a 4.3km circuit. No Sprint this year.

The name means “between lakes” and F1 has raced here for a championship since 1973. Interlagos is old school. Bumpy, short and it always throws up chaos. Turn 1, the Senna S, is one of the best overtaking spots on the calendar. And keep an eye on the weather. Thundery showers are forecast for qualifying and light rain for the race.

Local hero Gabriel Bortoleto finally ended an eight race scoreless run with eighth in Mexico. The home crowd will be loud for him. Lights out is 1am Monday, Perth time.

THE TEAMS

Red Bull

Max is favourite at $2.25 and $1.33 Top 3. He’s won three of the last four and he’s won here three times, in 2019, 2023 and 2024. Add some rain and he’s even more dangerous. He’s also $2.65 for pole. Hadjar $29.00.

Mercedes

Kimi at $3.35 and $1.45 Top 3. The pressure’s off now, which could be scary for everyone else. Russell at $17.00 and $3.25 Top 3 needs a good weekend for himself, and for the team.

Ferrari

Hamilton and Leclerc both $9.00, both $1.90 Top 3. Lewis has also won here three times and he’s driving well. Whether these two give each other any room into Turn 1 is anyone’s guess. The Ferrari was probably the quickest car on track in Mexico, so either driver for a win is tempting.

McLaren

Norris won here last year and he’s $13.00, $2.75 Top 3. Piastri $34.00, $7.00 Top 3. McLaren have dropped to fourth in the Constructors and they need a big one.

PLAYS FOR THIS WEEKEND

Max Verstappen to Win – $2.25 (three from four, and he loves it here)

Max Verstappen Pole Position – $2.65 (back him in the wet)

Lewis Hamilton or Charles Leclerc to Win – $9.00 each (the Ferraris are QUICK, so if they can sort the team out, a win is on the cards)

The drivers’ title is done but there’s still plenty of heat in this season. Ferrari at war, rain about and Max in form. Set the alarm.

Happy punting!

Odds correct at time of publication. TABtouch markets available now.

 




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