Brazil 2015 - GP Preview - Mercedes

The 2015 Formula One World Championship season continues with Round Eighteen, the Brazilian Grand Prix, from São Paulo

Lewis Hamilton

Interlagos is one of the real classics – quite short, tough on tyres, with variable weather and a really tricky start to the lap that always seems to bring drama. Then there’s the fans. The Brazilian people are so passionate, fun and outgoing. It’s a vibrant country, full of colour, and somewhere that’s quite special to me. This was the home race for Ayrton, so it was a dream of mine to race in São Paulo when I was younger and I always feel his presence when I’m there. He was such a huge hero in Brazil and it’s humbling that I always get such a warm response there. It’s amazing to think that it took Ayrton eight attempts to win this race and it’s one of the few I haven’t yet won myself. If I can change that this weekend it would be a salute to him and another highlight to add to this amazing year, so I’ll be going all out to make that happen.

Nico Rosberg

I’m really pumped to get to São Paulo and get back out on track after a great weekend in Mexico. For a start, Interlagos is one of the classic races on the calendar. It’s a tricky circuit that’s a really good challenge for a driver, with plenty of overtaking opportunities and crazy weather that always makes for an action-packed race. I have good memories from Brazil, too. I’ve usually been pretty quick there and last year was a good battle with Lewis, when I came out on top. Standing on the top step after a hard-earned win, following in the footsteps of so many great drivers who have won there and with the passionate Brazilian crowd cheering on – that was a great feeling. I’d love to experience that again, so the aim is to put on another good show for the fans and to carry my form from Mexico into this race. It’s always a great feeling to head into a weekend on the back of a win, so I’m confident of a strong performance.

Toto Wolff, Head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport

We came away from Mexico with many positives. On track, our boys delivered strong drives to claim an emphatic one-two for the team. In the garage and on the pit wall, the crew were faultless – fast pit stops, a good race strategy and two cars which performed well at a new venue with unique challenges. And for the sport, we saw a fantastic event which brought Formula One back to Mexico in style. We now have two races remaining to watch an intense and entertaining battle continue. The rivalry like we have between Lewis and Nico is great for the sport, great for the team and great for the drivers themselves. They are pushing each other harder and harder, pushing the team forward with them and providing a fascinating story. Of course, they are never without pressure from rivals further afield. Ferrari had a bad weekend in Mexico but they will no doubt be a threat in Brazil – as will Williams after another podium finish last time out. This is a race which often brings surprises and never fails to entertain. I, for one, am looking forward to seeing what’s in store for us at Interlagos.

Paddy Lowe, Executive Director (Technical)

Interlagos is another historic circuit with some great features – most notably the long climb through the final corner, across the start / finish straight and back down into the first corner. The weather can be quite unpredictable in São Paulo too – often leading to dramatic and spectacular races. Furthermore, the tyres were right on the edge at this circuit last year, so if it does remain dry this may be another issue to contend with across the weekend. However, while the high-altitude location of the circuit has been a talking point in the past, this is insignificant compared to what we experienced at the last race. Likewise, it will be difficult to match the atmosphere in Mexico City which was absolutely fantastic. But the Brazilian crowd has traditionally been one of the most enthusiastic of the year, so I’m sure they’ll be up for the challenge! So, we look forward to another exciting and entertaining weekend in São Paulo. This was, of course, where Lewis clinched his first World Championship title – but surprisingly he has never won at Interlagos. We saw a fascinating duel between our two drivers there last year, with Nico emerging on top after a fantastic drive. So hopefully we’ll be treated to another good battle at the penultimate race of this season.