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Classic F1 races to watch (Brazil edition) | Sporting News United Kingdom
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Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, October 29th 2025 at 18:30 GMT by Sporting News🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Classic Formula‑1 Races to Watch – Brazil Edition
The Sporting News has put together a definitive guide to the most iconic Formula‑1 races that fans should relive. The Brazil‑focused edition highlights the moments that made the Autódromo José Carlos Pace in São Paulo a crucible of speed, drama and unforgettable performances. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer eager to experience F1’s rich heritage, these races capture the essence of the sport’s golden moments.
1. 1990 Brazilian Grand Prix – “The Moment of Truth”
The 1990 race is perhaps the most celebrated in Brazilian F1 history. In front of a record‑setting crowd of 150,000, the circuit was a brutal test of power and strategy. Ayrton Senna dominated the weekend, taking pole and winning by an unprecedented margin, outclassing the rest of the field with his perfect lap times. His performance not only cemented his status as a national hero but also showcased the technical prowess of the Lotus 98T, a car that would later be remembered for its revolutionary suspension design.
Senna’s victory is often quoted as a defining moment that illustrated the “moment of truth” – the instant a driver’s skill meets the unforgiving nature of the track. The race also saw Alain Prost struggling with engine issues and Niki Lauda finishing 10th after a crash in the 1970s. The event was a triumph of endurance and skill, a race that defined the 1990 season.
2. 1979 Brazilian Grand Prix – “The ‘V‑Track’ Legacy”
In 1979, the Autódromo José Carlos Pace was nicknamed “V‑Track” because the turns formed a “V” shape. That year, the race was a battle between Alain Prost and Jody Scheckter. Prost, driving a McLaren M26, took pole and went on to win the race after a furious duel. Scheckter, piloting the Williams FW07B, finished in second place, creating a memorable rivalry that shaped the rest of the decade.
The 1979 race also featured Nigel Mansell in a Tyrrell 012, finishing third, and Nelson Piquet showing early promise in a Brabham BT54. This race was the first of many that would establish Brazil as a cornerstone of F1 history.
3. 2013 Brazilian Grand Prix – “Red Bull’s Dominance”
Fast forward to 2013, the race at Interlagos became famous for Red Bull’s dominance. Sergio Pérez and Mark Webber showcased the team's superiority, with Webber securing pole and Pérez finishing in third. Ferrari struggled throughout the weekend, and the race’s drama lay in the unpredictable weather conditions that created a chaotic mix of high-speed overtakes and strategic pit stops.
The 2013 race also marked a turning point for Lewis Hamilton, who finished in a commendable fourth place, while Jenson Button fought valiantly against the rain. The race’s narrative centered on the clash between the German pair and the Italian team, illustrating the evolving dynamics of F1 competition.
4. 2019 Brazilian Grand Prix – “A New Era”
In 2019, Sebastian Vettel delivered an extraordinary performance that re‑defined modern racing at Interlagos. Starting from 14th on the grid, Vettel showcased his legendary “rain‑craft” to capture the race, becoming the first German driver to win at the track since Mika Häkkinen in 2005. Vettel’s win is considered one of the most dramatic finishes in F1 history and highlighted the importance of skill over sheer speed in adverse conditions.
Alongside Vettel’s triumph, Max Verstappen finished in second place, setting the stage for a historic rivalry with Lewis Hamilton, who finished third. The race was also notable for Valtteri Bottas’s podium finish, which underscored the competitive depth of the sport.
5. 2021 Brazilian Grand Prix – “Hamilton’s Resurgence”
The 2021 race was marked by Lewis Hamilton’s return to form. After a poor start, Hamilton managed to overtake Max Verstappen in a dramatic late‑race battle, showcasing the power of strategy and experience. The race was a testament to the high‑stakes nature of modern F1, where a single pit‑stop can change the outcome of the championship.
The 2021 Brazilian Grand Prix also featured a thrilling duel between Charles Leclerc and Esteban Ocon. Leclerc’s victory over Ocon was a highlight that many fans still discuss in relation to the “Czech Republic” driver’s rise in the sport.
6. 2022 Brazilian Grand Prix – “A Night to Remember”
The 2022 season’s Brazilian Grand Prix offered a spectacle of precision and determination. Charles Leclerc started from pole, but Lewis Hamilton managed a late‑season victory after a daring move in the final laps. The race showcased the intense competitiveness of the current season and marked an important milestone for the 2022 title race.
7. 1972 Brazilian Grand Prix – “A Historic Opening”
The 1972 race was the first F1 event at Interlagos, and it set the tone for the track’s future. Jacky Ickx of Ferrari finished third, while Emerson Fittipaldi started to show the potential that would later transform him into a national hero. Fittipaldi’s performance was a harbinger of his future success.
8. 2008 Brazilian Grand Prix – “A Milestone for the New Generation”
The 2008 race witnessed a pivotal moment for the emerging generation of drivers. Lewis Hamilton, at only 21, won the race after a spectacular recovery from a stalled start. Hamilton’s win at Interlagos was a major milestone that foreshadowed his future dominance in the sport. The race was also notable for Jenson Button’s strong performance, finishing in a respectable fourth place.
9. 2017 Brazilian Grand Prix – “The Final Battle”
In 2017, the race at Interlagos became the site of a fierce battle between Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton. The rivalry reached a climax with a spectacular crash, as Vettel spun in the 20th corner. Despite the crash, Vettel managed to re‑enter the race and finish in a commendable fourth place. Hamilton’s race, meanwhile, featured a strategic masterstroke that allowed him to secure second place.
10. 2020 Brazilian Grand Prix – “An Unexpected Winner”
The 2020 race was an upset classic, with Carlos Sainz Jr. of Ferrari winning from an unexpected position. The race was a testament to the unpredictable nature of F1. Sainz’s victory was highlighted by a masterful tyre strategy that kept him in front of his rivals, including Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.
11. 2018 Brazilian Grand Prix – “A Clash of Titans”
The 2018 race brought together the top drivers of the era. Lewis Hamilton finished the race in first place, outpacing Max Verstappen, who finished in second. The race’s highlight was the dramatic pit‑stop strategy, which turned a seemingly predictable race into a thrilling contest of tactics.
12. 2010 Brazilian Grand Prix – “A Classic Moment”
The 2010 race saw Fernando Alonso secure a podium finish, showcasing his skill on the demanding track. The race was also notable for the performance of Vettel and Hamilton, who finished in the top four.
13. 2009 Brazilian Grand Prix – “The Unpredictable”
The 2009 race showcased the unpredictable nature of racing. Sebastian Vettel emerged as a surprise winner, with Lewis Hamilton finishing in a strong second. The race was a showcase for the emerging rivalry between the two drivers.
14. 2007 Brazilian Grand Prix – “A Close Finish”
In 2007, Fernando Alonso secured a podium finish in a close battle with Jenson Button. The race demonstrated the intensity of F1 competition and the importance of teamwork.
15. 2005 Brazilian Grand Prix – “A Battle for Glory”
The 2005 race was marked by Lewis Hamilton’s victory, which came after a dramatic on‑track battle with Fernando Alonso. The race was an example of the high‑stakes competition that defines F1.
Why These Races Matter
Brazil’s Formula‑1 legacy is built on spectacular racing, dramatic weather conditions, and the country’s passionate fans. Each of these races tells a story: from the classic battles of the 1970s, to the technical mastery of the 1990s, to the modern spectacle of the 2010s. They capture the evolution of racing technology, the rise of new drivers, and the enduring allure of the Autódromo José Carlos Pace.
Fans can relive the thrill by watching the original race footage, reading detailed reports, and exploring fan‑created analysis. Whether you’re looking for a deep dive into a historic podium, a technical breakdown of car performance, or simply a thrilling narrative, the Sporting News Brazil edition is the ultimate guide.
Additional Resources
- Full race archives: https://www.fia.com/races
- Historical race footage: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=interlagos+1990+grand+prix
- Driver biographies: https://www.f1.com/drivers
These races continue to inspire new generations, and their stories remain integral to the history of Formula‑1. Whether you’re watching from the stands or from home, the classic races of Brazil deliver the drama, speed, and emotion that define the sport.
Read the Full Sporting News Article at:
[ https://www.sportingnews.com/uk/formula-1/news/classic-f1-races-watch-brazil-edition/b272775be961703da7f09a2a ]
