By Molly Fairhurst
F1 returns to Interlagos this weekend for the final race in a triple header.
The teams have arrived at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace, with the fifth sprint weekend this season kicking off with qualifying later this evening.
But after a chaotic few races on and off track, the chase for the 2024 Drivers Championship remains open.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen is now just 47 points ahead of closest rival, McLaren’s Lando Norris.
The Dutchman must ensure he finishes the four remaining races ahead of the British driver to clinch the World Drivers Championship for the third year in a row.
Max Verstappen was handed 20 seconds in penalties following two separate incidents at last week’s Mexican Grand Prix with Verstappen finishing four places behind Norris.
He is now expected to take a new engine before Sunday and be given a grid place penalty.
The Dutchman had previously switched engines in Belgium and was handed a 10-place penalty on that occasion.
Former World Champion Damon Hill had branded his performance during last week’s Grand Prix as “daft” to Sky Sports.
He compared the Red Bull driver to the Wacky Races villain Dick Dastardly for making moves that left his rival scrabbling off the track.
He said: “Max let himself down there, It is possible to race fairly, and that is something I am not sure Max is capable of.”
Red Bull’s poor performances have seen them trailing to third in the Constructors Championship, behind McLaren and Ferrari.
This result is unsurprising following Sergio Perez’s successive finishes far below his teammate.
Within the last four races, the Mexican driver’s highest finish is just P7, with an average finishing position of P13 which is well outside of the points positioning.
Following the poor showing at his home Grand Prix, questions have been raised whether the 34-year-old will keep his seat.
This weekend’s Grand Prix could be the race that answers whether or not he is fit to stay in the Red Bull.