And what didn’t happen at the Brazilian GP, ​​where Mercedes regained the lead and George Russell took his first Formula 1 win. We had fights, we had a lot of contact, we had surprises but also a lot of background. We are of course referring to the order of the teams that determined the final ranking of the game.

One thing is certain: Ferrari and Red Bull have problems with what has happened and what has not happened. These are the most important insights from the Brazilian Grand Prix.

Rookie Russell puts a smile on Mercedes’ face

He won the sprint race on Saturday, he also won Sunday’s race, deservedly, emphatically, without being threatened by anyone. George Russell’s first win in F1 was also the first for the Mercedes team this season. A fantastic 2-1 for the Germans as Lewis Hamilton recovered from contact with Max Verstappen to move back into second place.

A contact that was reminiscent of the fierce rivalry between the two pilots last year. Our opinion is that the stewards ‘gifted’ Hamilton by giving Verstappen a penalty. The Brit didn’t give Red Bull any space at all, so the two cars inevitably came into contact.

Should Mercedes tell Russell to let Hamilton win? No, that’s our opinion. As much as Lewis wanted a win this year to continue the tradition that has seen him win every year in Formula One since 2007, George was eager to join the F1 winners’ club. Well done to the team who answered Russell’s question over the radio as to whether he and Lewis would run free after the safety car or whether they would hold their positions (1-2) and replied clearly: Run free, mutual respect!

The balance changes after Brazil

Mercedes had already improved a lot in the Mexico race, where they could have even won with better tire choices. In Brazil they were clearly the fastest team. Russell won easily and Hamilton passed those in front of him to move back into second place. Red Bull and Ferrari may now be getting involved in the development of the 2023 car, but it seems that from now on they will also have to consider Mercedes. Although that’s not the only annoyance for the Italian and Austrian team after the Brazilian GP.

The ungrateful Verstappen puts Red Bull in trouble

Ungrateful of course! The Dutchman was able to stay just behind Sergio Perez in the final laps. It would be practical recognition for all the help the Czech has generously given him in his pursuit of the title both last year and this year. Because what did Verstappen have to lose in Brazil? Nothing.

And yet Verstappen not only did not help his team-mate in the fight with Charles Leclerc for second place in the table on his own, but also disregarded the order of his team, who radioed him to let Perez stand at the end to overtake him.

The radio conversations between the two pilots and the team are typical:

Verstappen:I told you last time you’ll never ask me for anything like that again. OK, do we agree on that? I have given you my reasons and stand by themOh”.

Perez (ironic): “Thank you so much, thank you. This shows who is reala”.

The Dutchman’s statement after the game that he had previously made it clear to the team in a corresponding meeting did not justify him either. After all what do you think? Is there a chance that Czecho will support Verstappen again? The Dutchman’s ingratitude puts Red Bull out of favor… It will be interesting to see how Christian Horner and Helmut Marko will justify the unjustified…

Is there a climate in favor of Saint at Ferrari?

Charles Leclerc must be feeling very lonely… The other contender for second place in the Drivers’ Championship, adamantly but with characteristic courtesy, urged his team to arrange a swap with Carlos Sainz to pick up more points. The Italians ‘hid’ behind Alonso, who was trailing him, telling him it would endanger the 3-4 positions of the two Ferraris.

Apparently the Monegasque wasn’t convinced by the answer. Obviously, Ferrari is all about second place in the constructors’ championship. And apparently fleas are on Leclerc’s ears regarding the support he has from the team against his teammate… Trouble smells in the Scuderia too, in a word.

Alonso is a pure lion

He started from 17th place and managed to finish 5th and even overtake Perez’s Red Bull! Fernando Alonso continues to surprise us with his performance. Surely the Spaniard’s success wouldn’t be very pleasant for his teammate Esteban Ocon. The poor relationship between the two Alpine riders was also evident in the sprint race, where they touched twice on the first lap!

Alonso wants to overtake the French and Ocon in the standings with his head held high and he will do anything to achieve that. The two go into the last race of the season with a 5-point difference in Ocon’s favour. It smells like gunpowder and in Alpine…