F1 Live | Sao Paulo GP: Will Hamilton fight through the field again in Brazil?

LIVE | 2021 Sao Paulo Grand Prix

With four races to go Verstappen and Hamilton can't afford to make a mistake. Nevertheless, it has been an eventful weekend. Hamilton was disqualified from qualifying for DRS violations. He also picked up a five-place grid penalty for replacing his combustion engine. His rival Verstappen was given a fine due to touching Hamilton's car. However, the teams are on edge heading into the race. Tensions are increasing. 

With pole position in the sprint race, Verstappen seemed ready to start the race at the front as well, but nothing was further from the truth. Bottas managed to pass Verstappen and crossed the finish line as the first driver. Hamilton finished fifth after starting from 20th. He will start Sunday night's race from tenth position.

Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris also did good business for their team. While the Spaniard starts from third, Norris is fifth on the grid. Sergio Perez will start between the two drivers. Charles Leclerc, Pierre Gasly, Esteban Ocon and Sebastian Vettel complete the top ten.

Sprint race weekends

This is the third and final sprint race weekend of the 2021 season. They were introduced as a test, and it's worked relatively well. There are mixed reviews, but they will continue in 2022. We expect six sprint race weekends next year, but the circuits are still unknown. Previously, the sprint races were held at Silverstone and Monza. 
Those two events saw title rivals Hamilton and Verstappen crash into each other. At the British Grand Prix, the two drivers touched at high speed and Verstappen ended up going into the barrier. Hamilton went on to win his home event. The Dutchman required a precautionary hospital check-up but left the hospital on the same day. The second crash resulted in both drivers recording a DNF. Verstappen touched the kerb at turn one. His car launched in the air and landed on top of the Mercedes car. 

Overall in 2021, Verstappen has a 21 point lead in the World Championship and is the favourite to extend that gap before the final three races. After Brazil, the Formula 1 circuit will travel to Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi to finish the season. Despite either being brand new to F1 or containing new alterations, those three circuits are expected to favour the Mercedes car.