São Paulo Grand Prix 2021 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Lewis Hamilton produced one of the greatest drives of his illustrious career, storming from 10th on the grid to claim victory at the São Paulo Grand Prix in a performance that reignited the championship fight. The seven-time champion's stunning recovery at Interlagos cut Max Verstappen's lead to 14 points and shifted the title momentum dramatically with just three races remaining.

Hamilton's weekend had been tumultuous - disqualified from Friday qualifying for a DRS infringement despite taking pole, he started the Sprint race from the back of the grid and carved through to fifth. A subsequent five-place grid penalty for an engine change dropped him to 10th for the Grand Prix. Undeterred, Hamilton delivered a masterclass, scything through the field with breathtaking overtakes while displaying Mercedes' new straight-line speed advantage from their fresh power unit. The defining moment came when he hunted down race leader Verstappen in the closing laps, attempting a pass around the outside that saw both drivers run wide. The move sparked controversy as Verstappen appeared to force Hamilton off track, but stewards took no action. Hamilton tried again on lap 59, executing a brilliant overtake on the outside of Turn 4 to seize the lead.

Verstappen finished second despite leading most of the race, his defensive tactics under scrutiny. Valtteri Bottas completed the podium for Mercedes while Sergio Perez claimed fastest lap. The victory marked a turning point in the championship - Mercedes had found significant pace through their new power unit, Hamilton had delivered under immense pressure, and Verstappen's aura of invincibility had been dented. The thrilling Brazilian weekend set up a grandstand finish to one of Formula 1's greatest seasons.