In a Formula One season that has stoked rivalries rather than cooled them, could the gloves finally come off this weekend in the Brazilian Grand Prix?
The championships may be settled, but the racing continues. Formula One will be back on track with two races to go on Sunday in Brazil, with nothing but victory on the minds of drivers this weekend. But there could be more than just battles for the win on Sunday at Interlagos, with rivalries that have been building all season ready to boil over.
Of course, the battle at the front all season has been between Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel. While they will each start at opposite ends of the field on Sunday, if Hamilton can work his way through traffic, expect more close-quarters racing between the two four-time champions. Perhaps Hamilton will exact some revenge for the contact between the two at the start of the Mexican Grand Prix?
Hamilton may not be the only driver Vettel has to worry about, however. His teammate Kimi Raikkonen, who has played second fiddle at Ferrari all season long, is as hungry as ever for a win. Losing out on a couple of occasions to team orders, there are likely no team orders to block the flying Finn from pushing his way to victory lane, by any means necessary.
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Into the midfield, the battle among the teams is heating up, especially between Toro Rosso, Renault, and Haas. Each of these teams could finish as high as sixth in the constructor’s standings, with each spot’s difference being millions of dollars in prize money and potential sponsors for years to come. Expect none of their drivers to give an inch this weekend in Brazil, with perhaps the race in the standings coming down to the final laps of the season finale at Abu Dhabi.
Finally, could a battle between teammates that has been stewing all season come to blows? Force India has kept a tight leash on their drivers Sergio Perez and Esteban Ocon. But with their fourth-place finish in the constructor’s standings now locked up, these two drivers who have fought hard with each other throughout the year could see their rivalry finally reach its climax.
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What rivalry will you be watching most closely this weekend at Interlagos? Be sure to tune in for the Brazilian Grand Prix on Sunday, November 12 at 11:00 AM eastern live on NBCSN and the NBC Sports app to see it all.