One year ago at Interlagos
Winning of the Constructors Cup, missed victory and fight out of the track. Let’s remember events of last year’s Brazilian Grand Prix.
The Brazilian race in 2018 was literally fiery and hot like a real Brazilian carnival. A stage earlier Lewis Hamilton won the world title and then won the race at Interlagos. However, those who watched that race, will agree that the victory should have gone to another driver.
At the beginning of the weekend, it really seemed that the victory would go to the Briton. He took the pole in Saturday's qualifying, had a great start, run away from the rivals, so the victory was in his pocket. However, on lap 40th, Max Verstappen, who had been in the pits, beautifully overtook Lewis. After that overtaking Hamilton was losing to the rival a lot, and the chances of winning were decreased.
Max was very close to winning, but on lap 44th there was a key moment of the race. Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, who was leading with the advantage, went on to overtake Force India's Esteban Ocon. Ocon, who had recently been in the pits and changed his tyres to Supersoft, tried to return to the same lap with the leader. No one wanted to give in, and there was a collision, as a result – Verstappen car was deployed. The Dutchman was able to continue the race, despite a car with a damaged floor. He finished the second.
After the finish the drivers met each other out of the track and continued deal in more brute form: under tough a showdown relations Max and Esteban used the fists.
By the way, this incident allowed Mercedes to win the title earlier.
As for this year, it is likely that we will see the main struggle between Mercedes and Red Bull. Ferrari can also get involved in the fight, but their success depends on the teamwork and the right strategy.