2023 Formula 1 Brazilian Grand Prix highlights

Fernando secures a podium, and Lance finishes fifth after an absorbing conclusion to the 2023 Brazilian Grand Prix.

Fernando delivered a podium in astonishing circumstances at Interlagos, with Lance taking P5 at the chequered flag. A team effort backed up by solid execution saw Lance qualify third and Fernando fourth on Friday. Both drivers were unfortunate not to make the top 10 during Saturday’s Sprint Shootout, but they made up places during the Sprint; Fernando took P11 and Lance P12 yesterday. Lance and Fernando began today’s race on Soft compounds, but Lance lost two places from P3 to P5 at the start while Fernando stayed in P4.

A red flag was brought out after a Lap One crash, and on the restart, Fernando passed Lewis Hamilton for P3. Lance pitted for a new set of Mediums on Lap 22, emerging 10th and passing the Mercedes soon after on his way back into the top five. Fernando pitted for new Mediums on Lap 25 and emerged third – holding off Red Bull’s Sergio Peréz for his second stint. Fernando came into the pits for his second stop on Lap 47, switching to a new set of Softs and emerging P3. The Red Bull began to make up ground and was in DRS range of Fernando for much of the final ten laps, but Fernando put up a staunch and intelligent defence that was broken only on the penultimate lap.

In a nail-biting end to the Grand Prix, Fernando managed to pass the Red Bull and re-take P3 into Turn Four. The battle for the final podium place culminated in a drag race to the line split by 0.053 seconds. Lance’s last stop came on Lap 52, but an issue saw him lose time and emerge sixth. A rapid final stint saw Lance secure a top-five finish as the team collected 25 points from São Paulo.

Fernando Alonso

For the last 30 laps, it felt like I had pressure from Sergio [Pérez]. But when he passed me two laps from the end, I thought the chance of a podium finish was no longer possible. Then he braked late into Turn One on the final lap, and I said I would go for it into Turn Four. This is a phenomenal result for the whole team. We’d been struggling a little in recent races – especially the last two events – so this podium is for everyone at the track and back at Silverstone. It shows that we will always keep fighting until the very last lap, the final corner.

Lance Stroll

Neither of my starts was great – I had a lot of wheelspin and minimal traction, so I didn’t get off the line well. After that, we had a lot of pace – quicker than Ferrari, quicker than Mercedes – and it felt like we were back to where we were at the beginning of the year. Today’s result shows us that we can go out and fight for points in these final two races. Finally, a big shout out to the team – the last few races have been tough, but today is a real reward and sends us home with smiles after three weeks on the road.

I’m looking forward to Vegas!

Mike Krack, Team Principal:

Today’s result was an excellent reward for hard work over the last few months and a difficult couple of races. Credit to everybody at the track and the Campus for putting their heads down and working hard: we can all see what is possible with great teamwork. Fernando drove with great intelligence and skill – over the last few laps, he showed the world what a great driver he has always been. Lance did brilliantly to pass both Mercedes, keep the Ferrari behind and catch Sergio and Fernando at the end. It shows what is possible if we provide our drivers with a quick car: they perform exceptionally. We will celebrate this result – but the work continues to close the gap to the teams ahead of us. We will give 100 per cent focus to doing everything we can in the last two races.

Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team best pictures:

portrait, Aut�dromo Jos� Carlos Pace, GP2320a, F1, GP, Brazil, Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin F1 Team

action, Pit Stops, Autódromo José Carlos Pace, GP2320a, F1, GP, Brazil, Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin AMR23, makes a pit stop

Portrait, Podium, Autódromo José Carlos Pace, GP2320a, F1, GP, Brazil, Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin F1 Team, 3rd position on the podium

parc ferme, Portrait, Aut�dromo Jos� Carlos Pace, GP2320a, F1, GP, Brazil, Lance Stroll, Aston Martin F1 Team, in Parc Ferme

Portrait, Press Conferences, AutÛdromo JosÈ Carlos Pace, GP2320a, F1, GP, Brazil, Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin F1 Team, 3rd position in the Press Conference

Finish, Portrait, atmosphere, Aut�dromo Jos� Carlos Pace, GP2320a, F1, GP, Brazil, Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin F1 Team, 3rd position, Lance Stroll, Aston Martin F1 Team, and the Aston Martin team celebrate after the race

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