Though he lost the initial lead to Max Verstappen, the 30-year-old Spaniard deftly reclaimed it on a safety car restart and controlled the race from there, potentially securing his final win in Ferrari red. This victory held deep personal significance for Carlos Sainz, and it also underscored Ferrari’s ambitions as the season nears its close.
Formula 1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix 2024: Ferrari’s surge and Red Bull’s struggles
Carlos Sainz was determined to score another victory with Ferrari before his departure at the season’s end, and he achieved it with authority at last weekend’s Mexican Grand Prix.
Following teammate Charles Leclerc’s decisive performance at the U.S. Grand Prix, Sainz’s win sent a clear message: Ferrari is a force to be reckoned with this year. While team principal Fred Vasseur may prefer a low profile amid the title fight between Verstappen and Lando Norris, the Prancing Horse has emerged as a formidable contender for the constructor’s championship.
Red victory
Looking ahead to the Brazilian Grand Prix, the final leg of a demanding three-race stretch across the Americas, Red Bull and McLaren are now acutely aware of Ferrari’s renewed pace. Ferrari has surged ahead in the team standings, gaining a remarkable 96 points out of a possible 103 across Austin and Mexico, while Red Bull lagged, securing only 37 points.
Sainz and Leclerc now trail McLaren, the season’s most consistent team, by just 29 points in the constructors’ standings. What has truly put Ferrari back in the spotlight is not just the points haul, but the dominant way in which their drivers performed—Leclerc and Sainz seemed to command what appears to be the strongest car on the grid at this stage of the season.
Adding to the intrigue, Verstappen’s recent performances have sparked discussions among drivers and fans alike. After finishing sixth in Mexico, with two instances of going off-track to defend against Norris, Verstappen faced criticism from his rivals. Norris openly questioned Verstappen’s aggressive tactics, labeling the moves as “not very clean driving” and hoping the three-time champion would recognize he may have crossed the line.
Pressure builds on Verstappen
True to form, Verstappen refused to admit any fault post-race, while Red Bull team principal Christian Horner supported his driver, going so far as to bring data to justify Verstappen’s actions. Once again, the controversy drew a clear divide between teams regarding F1’s racing standards.
Verstappen’s intensity likely reflects the mounting pressure on Red Bull as their performance continues to dip. A season that once looked like a clear win for Verstappen and Red Bull has instead become a test of resilience.
Meanwhile, Sergio Pérez’s struggles in the car only deepen Red Bull’s woes, adding tension to what has become an unexpectedly challenging season.
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