Brazilian Grand Prix Circuit Guide & Need to Know Stats

Braking Loads Light But Tricky

For starters, the circuit happens to be the third-shortest lap of the Formula 1 schedule (after Monaco and Mexico City). Despite the short nature of the circuit, there aren’t many braking zones. Of the mere six designated braking zones, only 2 are considered to be “heavy braking”. All in, less than 20% of the lap is spent braking. Over the past years on the circuit, tyre wear is lower but but locking up into these braking zones has always been observed as higher in Brazil. The back right tyre often experiences the worst amount of tyre degradation due to the anti-clockwise layout mentioned before.

Brazilian Grand Prix Circuit Likely To See Strict Track Limits Enforced

Our analysis predicts a very high call on track limits being the source of many deleted laps. This will be especially in effect through turn 8. The short, flowy track will demand the drivers squeeze every ounce of performance they can so don’t be surprised if you see some of the drivers taking this to the extreme using a lot of kerb.

Brazilian Grand Prix Circuit Down Force & Set Up

This circuit is mid-level down force circuit, leaning on the higher end. Sector 1 will experience a number of tests that will show whether the driver set ups can handle the downforce of the circuit. Verstappen has gone on record in the past saying The Brazilian Grand Prix doesn’t suit their car but the data might suggest otherwise. The lengthier straight headed into Turn One presents an opportunity for cars quicker in a straight line to pick grid spots off. But the more brave drivers with the better down force dependent set ups will use Turn One as their prime overtaking opportunity. It’ll be particularly revealing of technical skill as the circuit falls away suddenly right at the apex. High entry plus late brakes and technical difficulties on driving will yield some electric turn one moments. I’d be paying attention at the start of this race for Lap One.

Rookie drivers like Lando Norris and Alex Albon will be supremely tested at this circuit as most of them haven’t participated in a series that would bring them to Interlagos. This will be a particularly important grand prix for the rookie Red Bull driver who was promoted seven short races ago. Alex Albon is still unsure if Red Bull thinks he earned his 2020 seat as he remains one of the only drivers on the grid not sure of their F1 career next season. Here’s what he had to say going into the Brazilian Grand Prix:

Going Into The Brazilian Grand Prix