F1 Brazilian GP 2023 Standings, Points Table, Teams Standings After Friday’s Practice Race

The F1 Brazilian Grand Prix has long been a highlight of the Formula 1 calendar, known for its historic Interlagos circuit and unpredictable weather conditions. The 2023 edition of the race promises to be no different, but this year comes with a twist. The unique sprint format for this weekend’s event has added an extra layer of excitement, and Friday’s practice session set the stage for what could be a thrilling and unpredictable weekend of racing.

Before delving into the action from Friday’s practice, let’s take a look at the current standings and points table for the 2023 F1 season:

Team Standings:
1. Red Bull Racing: 731 points
2. Mercedes: 371 points
3. Ferrari: 349 points
4. McLaren: 256 points
5. Aston Martin Racing: 236 points
6. Alpine: 101 points
7. Williams: 28 points
8. AlphaTauri: 16 points
9. Alfa Romeo: 16 points
10. Haas F1 Team: 12 points

These standings reflect the points accumulated by the teams throughout the season. While Red Bull Racing has maintained a substantial lead, the battle for second place between Mercedes and Ferrari remains intense. McLaren, Aston Martin Racing, and Alpine are also in close competition for the remaining positions in the top five.

Now, let’s shift our focus to Friday’s practice session at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix and its implications for the rest of the weekend.

Ferrari Shines in Practice

The opening practice session for the Brazilian Grand Prix was nothing short of exciting. Carlos Sainz of Ferrari led the way, posting a lap time of 1:11.732. What made this performance even more impressive was that it was a Ferrari one-two, with Sainz’s teammate, Charles Leclerc, finishing closely behind.

This early dominance by Ferrari in practice raises the question of whether they can maintain this level of performance throughout the weekend. The Sao Paulo Grand Prix’s unique format has brought about uncertainty, and practice results, while encouraging, may not provide the complete picture of what’s to come.

Mixed-Up Format Offers Uncertainty

The Sao Paulo Grand Prix has introduced a mixed-up format that adds an element of unpredictability to the weekend. Friday’s session was dedicated to traditional qualifying, a departure from the usual practice sessions. This change forced teams and drivers to approach the session differently, experimenting with various setups and strategies. As a result, it’s challenging to predict race outcomes based on practice times.

The mixed format, with qualifying on Friday, sets the stage for sprint qualifying, the sprint race on Saturday, and the main Grand Prix event on Sunday. This variation is a unique feature of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix and keeps teams and fans alike on their toes.

George Russell’s Return to the Scene of His First Win

George Russell, who famously secured his first Formula One Grand Prix win at the Sao Paulo circuit 12 months ago, made a strong return to the track. Russell’s Mercedes finished just behind the Ferrari duo of Sainz and Leclerc, hinting at Mercedes’ competitive potential at this circuit.

Russell’s return to the scene of his maiden victory must be a sentimental moment for the young British driver. His triumph at Interlagos last year was a significant milestone in his career, and he will undoubtedly be looking to recapture that success this weekend. Red Bull’s Unusual Practice

In an unusual turn of events, the Red Bull duo of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez did not set representative times in practice. Verstappen, who has been the dominant force in Formula 1 this season, winning 12 of the last 13 races, had an uncharacteristically low position in the practice session.

However, it’s important to note that those who have closely followed the season understand that practice results don’t always reflect a team’s true potential. Red Bull Racing has been consistently competitive this season, and it’s unlikely that they will remain at the back of the grid during the competitive sessions.

Nico Hulkenberg’s Strong Showing

Nico Hulkenberg, who is driving for the Haas team, had a strong showing in practice. He was the only driver to finish within 0.3 seconds of the lead, an impressive performance that bodes well for Haas. This strong start to the weekend is reminiscent of Hulkenberg’s teammate Kevin Magnussen’s remarkable podium finish at Interlagos last year.

Haas Team Principal Guenther Steiner and the entire team will undoubtedly be encouraged by Hulkenberg’s early success. It’s a positive sign for Haas, and they will be eager to continue this momentum into the competitive sessions.

Expectations for the Weekend

As we head into the sprint weekend, there are high expectations for thrilling action, intense battles, and unpredictable outcomes. The Sao Paulo Grand Prix promises to be a captivating spectacle, with the unique sprint format adding an extra layer of excitement to the Formula 1 season.