Lando Norris receives a boost in F1 championship race as Max Verstappen faces potential engine penalty at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix this weekend.

Max Verstappen might face a grid penalty at this weekend's Sao Paulo Grand Prix, as Red Bull is thinking about swapping his engine.

Verstappen had to switch back to a previous engine model following issues with the power unit that disrupted his practice sessions on Friday.

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The driver from the Netherlands made a comeback, securing a front-row position on the grid for his Red Bull, surpassing his Formula 1 championship competitor, Lando Norris.

Nonetheless, Red Bull's competitive edge waned during the race, with Verstappen falling behind in terms of straight-line velocity, resulting in him being overtaken by Carlos Sainz following the restart after the Safety Car period.

Verstappen found himself entangled in a pair of altercations with Norris, consequently receiving time penalties totaling 20 seconds.

The triple world title-holder ultimately secured the sixth position, and with Norris coming in second, witnessed his championship lead shrink by 10 points.

Red Bull is contemplating equipping him with a fresh engine for the last four races in their effort to remain competitive for the championship.

Given the ample chances to overtake in Brazil, opting for a new engine would be a clear decision for Red Bull if they consider it.

Speaking with Motorsport.com, Marko expressed concern, stating: "What's more worrisome is our inability to get the tyres to function properly – this includes both the medium and hard variants."

"We were significantly behind the leading two teams, and it seems that one of the issues was that on Friday, we were unable to race due to issues with the engine."

"It's evident that action is necessary. Furthermore, we must replace the engine due to our sluggish speed on the straight."

"The engine found in the vehicle was not intended to be there, suggesting that an incident similar to what happened in Brazil might occur."

Marko verified with Austrian broadcaster ORF that the engine used by Verstappen in Mexico was originally designated for practice rounds, indicating that its performance was not at its maximum potential.

Marko clarified, stating, “The engine we were using wasn't meant for racing anymore, and as an engine ages, its efficiency decreases,” he commented.

"The sanction involves a five-place grid drop. Such a consequence wouldn't greatly impact a race in Brazil, given the track allows for straightforward overtaking. However, it was observed that there was a deficit of three to eight kilometers per hour on the straight sections."

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Lewis Hamilton attributes his poor start to an error in judging the front wing, describing the initial phase as "really bad."

Reflecting on the Mexico City Grand Prix, Hamilton found the race to be enjoyable.

Lewis Hamilton attributed his poor performance in the initial phase of the Mexico City Grand Prix to significant understeer issues.

Initially taking the lead over his Mercedes counterpart George Russell, Hamilton found it challenging to maintain speed at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

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Russell managed to pass Hamilton during the race, leading to Hamilton falling behind.

Hamilton found his rhythm in the latter part of the race, catching up to Russell, who was dealing with damage to his front wing.

Under parc ferme regulations, teams are prohibited from altering their vehicles, though adjustments to the front wing are an exception and can be performed during pit stops too.

Hamilton disclosed that he "removed an excessive amount of front wing from the vehicle," leading to "significant understeer."

Commenting on the competition in Mexico, Hamilton mentioned, "Absolutely, I enjoyed myself. Today was enjoyable.

"My initial performance was strong, but the first phase of the race took a turn for the worse when we adjusted the front wing excessively, resulting in a significant loss of front grip."

"I was taken aback. Essentially, you're forced to make an educated guess about your positioning with the front wing, and I found myself significantly behind George [Russell].

"However, during the laps leading to the grid, it seemed like the correct decision, but evidently, it wasn't."

"After making my stop, I managed to correct the issue, which significantly improved my speed. This allowed me to maintain momentum and even halt a bit sooner than initially anticipated. As a result, we secured a decent number of points."

Hamilton and Russell fiercely competed for the fourth position, with the seven-time world champion ultimately making the pass.

A noteworthy aspect was Hamilton's use of the latest Mercedes enhancements, whereas following his mishap during practice, Russell switched back to using some previous components.

Hamilton now believes Mercedes will definitively determine the right package selection for Brazil.

"No, he didn't, but with 10 laps to go, I sensed it was inevitable. I believe he was experiencing an issue with his front wing," he commented on his contest with Russell.

"We gathered a significant amount of data. Observing his car, I was able to identify areas where he outperformed me, and I'm optimistic that he'll also notice aspects where I have the upper hand. In terms of the technical setup, it's hoped that they've collected ample data, allowing us to determine our starting positions accurately for the upcoming race."

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Lewis Hamilton attributes a poor initial phase to an error in assessing the front wing.

Lewis Hamilton looks back on an enjoyable race at the Mexico City Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton attributed his challenging first segment during the Mexico City Grand Prix to significant understeer, describing it as "really bad."

Following an impressive beginning, where he surpassed his Mercedes teammate George Russell, Hamilton found it challenging to maintain speed at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

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Russell managed to pass Hamilton on the circuit, leading Hamilton to fall behind.

Hamilton sprang into action during the latter half of the race, steadily catching up to Russell, who was contending with damage to his front wing.

Under parc ferme rules, teams are prohibited from altering their vehicles, though minor adjustments to the front wing are permitted and can also be carried out during pit stops.

Hamilton disclosed that he "removed an excessive amount of front wing from the vehicle," leading to "significant understeer."

Commenting on his experience during the Mexican race, Hamilton remarked, "Indeed, it was enjoyable. I had a good time today."

"I began well, but the initial phase was terrible because I reduced the front wing on the car too much, leading to extreme understeer."

"I was thinking, wow. It essentially comes down to making an educated guess about your positioning with the front wing, and I was significantly behind George [Russell] in that aspect.

"Yet, during the initial laps toward the starting line, it seemed like the correct decision, but it evidently wasn't."

"After my pit stop, I managed to correct the issue. Following that, my speed significantly improved, allowing me to maintain momentum. We also made an earlier stop than originally anticipated. Ultimately, we secured a good number of points."

Hamilton and Russell fiercely competed for the fourth position, with the seven-time world champion ultimately securing the spot.

An intriguing aspect was that Hamilton was equipped with the latest Mercedes enhancements, whereas following his accident during practice, Russell switched back to using some previous components.

Hamilton now believes that Mercedes will definitively determine the right package to choose for the Brazilian race.

"He didn't, however, I was prepared for it to occur at any moment during my 10 laps. I believe his front wing had an issue," he remarked regarding his competition with Russell.

"We gathered a significant amount of data. It was clear from observing his car where his strengths outpaced mine, and with any luck, he'll also recognize areas where I have the upper hand. In terms of the overall setup, I'm optimistic they've compiled a substantial amount of information, which should help us determine our starting positions for the upcoming race."

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Mexico Grand Prix Driver Assessments: Carlos Sainz Achieves Top Marks While a Midfield Talent Stands Out

Who excelled at the Mexico City Grand Prix?

Carlos Sainz – 10

Sainz had an impeccable weekend at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. His qualifying lap was outstanding, and he consistently appeared in control of securing the race win. He was the clear highlight in Mexico City.

Lando Norris – 9

Norris delivered yet another standout performance as McLaren's top driver over the weekend. He maximized the McLaren's potential during the qualifying rounds, managing to edge out the faster Ferrari driven by Leclerc. His initial choice to position himself behind Verstappen instead of opting for the available space on the outer side at the start of the race, particularly going into the first turn, raised some eyebrows. However, his speed during the longer runs on hard tires was unmatched, securing him a second-place finish.

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Charles Leclerc – Score: 7

This event marked one of Leclerc's less impressive performances of the year. Despite not participating in the first practice session, he was noticeably slower than his teammate Sainz. With Verstappen's assistance in demoting Norris in the standings, a second-place finish was within Leclerc's grasp, yet he almost lost it due to a late-race slip-up involving rear wheel skid at the last turn.

Lewis Hamilton – 7.5

Hamilton faced challenges this weekend while testing Mercedes' latest enhancement. In qualifying, he couldn't outperform, settling for second place once more. During the race, it appeared Russell was leading, but after sustaining damage, the younger British racer was compromised, enabling Hamilton to overtake him eventually.

George Russell – 7.5

Russell demonstrated the speed needed for a fourth-place finish, however, damage to his front wing resulting from a track incident hindered his progress in the race's latter stages.

Max Verstappen – Rated at 6.5

Verstappen pushed too hard in direct racing, resulting in two separate 10-second penalties. Despite this, Red Bull didn't show the speed needed, and without these penalties, a fourth-place finish was the best he could have hoped for. However, if he hadn't overtaken Norris in the manner he did, it's possible that the McLaren driver could have clinched the race victory.

Kevin Magnussen – 9.5

Magnussen delivered an outstanding performance in Mexico City, securing a seventh-place position in the qualifying round and maintaining his momentum into the race. His speed was impressive, successfully holding off Piastri in the final moments. An exceptional weekend indeed.

Oscar Piastri – 5.5

Piastri experienced yet another disappointing weekend, potentially jeopardizing McLaren's chase for their first F1 constructors’ championship since 1998 due to his slump in performance. Eliminated in Q1, his attempt to climb back up the ranks during the race day did not stand out.

Nico Hulkenberg – 7.5

Hulkenberg secured the position as the runner-up driver for Haas in the Mexican race. He completed the race cleanly, ending up in ninth place, though he couldn't quite match Magnussen's performance.

Pierre Gasly – 8.5

Gasly delivered an outstanding performance to clinch a surprising points position for Alpine.

Lance Stroll – 6

Stroll had yet another unremarkable weekend, playing second fiddle to Alonso during the qualifying rounds. The appearance of a red flag at an inopportune moment disrupted Aston Martin's hopes of advancing to Q3. In the end, he crossed the finish line in 11th place.

Franco Colapinto – 6

In the qualifying rounds, Colapinto lagged behind Albon by approximately 0.4 seconds. Opting for hard tires, he was among the select few who aimed for an extended stint. Despite this strategy, he seemed unable to secure a points finish. Additionally, his penalty resulting from a collision with Lawson did not affect his ultimate standing.

Esteban Ocon – Rating: 6

Ocon's performance in the qualifying round was underwhelming, as he was eliminated in Q1. This was a disappointment, especially since, contrary to the situation in Austin, he was equipped with the upgraded package this time. To accommodate the installation of a new energy store and control electronics, Alpine chose to have him begin the race from the pit lane

Valtteri Bottas had a more successful weekend with Sauber, securing a place in Q2 for the first time in six races. Although a top 10 finish seemed out of reach, Bottas showed strong competitiveness, narrowly missing out to Ocon in the concluding laps.

Zhou Guanyu – 6

Noticeably trailed behind Bottas in both the qualifying rounds and the actual race.

Liam Lawson – 6.5

In Mexico, Lawson encountered a setback. Despite lacking the latest Red Bull enhancement, he demonstrated good speed, maintaining a position within the top 10 early on, having begun on hard tires. Engagements with Perez and Colapinto resulted in significant delays and incurred damage following a collision with the driver from Williams.

Sergio Perez experienced a weekend to forget at his home race, being eliminated in Q1 and then receiving a penalty for a “false start.” There was no silver lining to Perez's outing in Mexico.

Fernando Alonso – 6.5

Alonso's milestone 400th Grand Prix didn't end as hoped, with an early exit caused by brake issues.

Alex Albon – 7

Albon appeared to be in top form during the qualifying rounds, significantly outperforming his teammate Colapinto. While he was not at fault during the initial lap, he ended up in a collision with Tsunoda while approaching the first turn.

Yuki Tsunoda – 5

Tsunoda began the Mexico City Grand Prix with too much enthusiasm, resulting in a collision with Albon.

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Lewis Hamilton and George Russell discuss their internal competition at the Mexican Grand Prix

The pair from Mercedes vied for spots on the track in Mexico

Lewis Hamilton and George Russell engaged in a close race during the Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix, but no incidents occurred.

Mercedes executives likely felt a sense of relief witnessing their two drivers competently vying for placement.

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This is attributed in part to the principles that Mercedes expects from its drivers during races, as explained by Hamilton.

Toto Wolff remarked, "Their exceptional skill and vast experience enable us to permit the racing."

Initially, I'm certain there wasn't a moment where I felt things were starting to become concerning.

In the final moments, we decided to inform George, acknowledging that Lewis's car had the better speed, suggesting that perhaps his one defensive maneuver on the straight might have been somewhat delayed.

"I'm fully confident in both of them."

During his time in Mexico, Hamilton remarked, "It's quite simple."

"I believe neither of us is being foolish."

"George is highly intelligent and treats everyone equally. He also has an exceptional skill in positioning his car, which I believe applies to me as well."

"When [the team] communicates over the radio, reminding to 'maintain professionalism,' it's essentially stating the obvious."

"Competing against someone isn't fundamentally altered when that someone is a teammate. However, there's an added level of caution required, as both participants are aiming for victory."

Russell commented, "Having the competition was enjoyable, and it's always a positive experience competing against Lewis because it's challenging yet sportsmanlike."

Initially, Hamilton took the lead over Russell during the Mexico City Grand Prix, but was subsequently surpassed by his teammate.

Hamilton managed to outperform Russell during the final phases of the race, securing a fourth-place finish, while Russell came in fifth.

Hamilton attributed his poor performance in the initial phase to understeer issues. On the other hand, Russell was dealing with a damaged front wing, and he was using a previous version of the W15 due to an accident during practice.

However, their internal rivalry served as a model for other teams on the essence of competitive racing, especially as Hamilton's tenure with Mercedes nears its end.

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New insights surface from an animated discussion among F1 drivers

A different viewpoint comes to light following a debate on rules among F1 racers

Carlos Sainz provided more insights into the events of the lively Formula 1 drivers' meeting that took place in Mexico.

During the customary Friday gathering at a Grand Prix event, the conversation was reportedly centered around the incident in Texas involving Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, particularly focusing on the interpretation of the rules.

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"Craig Slater from Sky Sports reported that Lando Norris and Max Verstappen had direct conversations regarding defense and passing maneuvers."

Certain drivers perceived the FIA's readiness to amend the regulations as a "confession of wrongdoing," according to reports.

Nonetheless, Sainz, a racer for Ferrari who subsequently claimed victory at the Mexico City Grand Prix, has offered an additional viewpoint on the events that transpired.

"Sainz described the meeting as constructive and beneficial."

"Many drivers shared their feelings on each scenario and discussed what they believe is the most suitable path ahead."

"The way you understand the regulations and the guiding principles that the officials will use to enforce penalties… these remain unchanged going into this weekend, and it's likely that their enforcement will be consistent with previous occasions."

"Looking ahead, the meeting proved to be fruitful, and I believe that in Qatar, we will come across solutions that enhance the driver's comprehension and overall improve the quality of the racing."

"Optimistically, it is expected to improve."

Verstappen expressed, "Carlos captured it excellently."

Charles Leclerc shared his view, stating, "I prefer not to delve deeply into the specifics of our internal discussions, but there's a collective desire to enhance certain situations we encountered in Austin, as I believe there wasn't complete agreement among us regarding that."

"Nonetheless, the FIA has shown a willingness to engage in dialogue, acknowledging that there are several aspects that need modification."

"In the future, we'll make an effort to assist them in making more informed choices and in pursuing paths that, unlike Austin, perhaps lead to less contention."

"Having a gravel trap or a curb at certain corners can simplify things for everyone, but that's just how things are."

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New insights revealed from an animated discussion at the drivers' briefing

A fresh viewpoint surfaces following F1 drivers' discussion on rules

Carlos Sainz provided more insights into the events that unfolded during the lively F1 drivers' meeting in Mexico.

During the customary Friday gathering on a grand prix weekend, conversations were reportedly centered around the incident in Texas involving Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, focusing on the interpretation of the rules.

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"Craig Slater of Sky Sports revealed that Lando Norris and Max Verstappen engaged in direct discussions regarding defense and passing maneuvers."

It was reported that several drivers perceived the FIA's readiness to amend the regulations as a "confession of wrongdoing".

Nonetheless, the Ferrari racer Sainz, who would eventually clinch victory at the Mexico City Grand Prix, has provided an additional viewpoint on the events.

"Sainz expressed his belief that the meeting was constructive and beneficial."

"Many drivers shared their thoughts and perspectives on each issue, discussing what they believe is the optimal path forward."

"The way you understand the regulations and the guiding principles that the officials will use to enforce penalties… remains unchanged as we enter this weekend, and it's likely, in my opinion, that they will be enforced in a comparable way."

"However, as we progress, the meeting proved to be fruitful, and I believe that in Qatar, we'll find solutions that enhance the driver's comprehension and overall improve the racing experience."

"Optimistically, it's expected to improve."

Verstappen remarked, "Carlos described it flawlessly."

Charles Leclerc shared his viewpoint, stating, "I won't delve deeply into the specifics of our internal discussions, but we're collectively aiming to enhance certain situations that unfolded in Austin, as I believe there wasn't a unanimous stance on that matter."

"Nonetheless, the FIA has shown a willingness to engage in conversation, and it seems they've acknowledged that some adjustments need to be made."

"Moving ahead, our goal is to assist them in making more informed choices and to create pathways that potentially avoid the level of controversy seen in Austin."

"Having some gravel or a curb around certain turns would simplify things for everyone, but that's just how things stand."

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Lando Norris acknowledges: "There have been instances where my lack of aggression has put me at a disadvantage."

"My approach to competition has always been to play it clean. It's in my nature."

Lando Norris has admitted that his occasional lack of assertiveness has led to missed opportunities.

The Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix, along with the previous race in Texas, saw intense competition between McLaren's Norris and his rival for the championship, Max Verstappen.

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A meeting for drivers in Mexico was said to be dominated by conversations about the rules of engagement, involving the FIA.

Verstappen received two penalties for different clashes with Norris during the Mexico City Grand Prix, a race that was won by Carlos Sainz.

"Norris mentioned he was aware of what was coming."

"I didn't anticipate this occurring, given my high regard for Max as a driver, but I was prepared for the possibility."

"In my view, the driving wasn't particularly clean, yet I managed to steer clear of it, resulting in a decent race."

Norris secured the runner-up spot in Mexico, trailing behind Sainz, and cut down Verstappen's advantage in the drivers' championship by 10 points.

As we approach this weekend's Sao Paulo Grand Prix, Verstappen is ahead of Norris by 47 points with only four races left in the season.

Verstappen's approach to racing has come under closer observation as his lead in the championship faces challenges from Norris.

"Fair play has always been my principle. That's my true nature," Norris declared.

"This is my identity on the track. It's how I approach racing daily."

"Perhaps there have been occasions where my inclination towards fairness over assertiveness has put me at a disadvantage. It's in these moments I realize the importance of striking a more effective equilibrium."

"These adjustments I've mentioned, which I've made since the previous weekend and throughout this year, are crucial. Competing against the elite competitors teaches you valuable lessons. It's essential to grasp the nuances of strategies such as when to attack, defend, manage risks, and display aggression, among other tactics."

"Personally, I don't have any concerns regarding that matter. It's essentially unrelated to me."

"I'll make an effort to compete with integrity. Should he choose otherwise, the outcome may resemble today's events."

"However, my belief is that he aims to compete with integrity. It's my wish that he will."

"He seems to relish those instances as well, particularly when the competition is even. But… all that's left for me is to continue on my path. I believe I'm performing well, and time will tell the outcome."

Norris recounted his involvement in the Turn 7 clash with Verstappen during the Mexico race.

"The McLaren driver noted, "You can observe the extent to which he deviated from the track."

"Indeed, there was no necessity for me to allow Max to pass. I was in the lead at the turning point of 4."

"I needed to dodge his collision with me, followed by another instance where the same situation occurred at 7."

"The point I missed initially, what didn't register before, was his move to pass off the track."

"It was also excessively forceful and such, but he accelerated beyond the track."

"He's unclear on the exact language of the penalties or similar matters, but he claims he abides by the regulations when driving.

"He emphasized that as his key point following the previous weekend, and today, he demonstrated it by advancing off the track. Let's wait and see.

"Max is set to return the following weekend, and I anticipate our challenges will only intensify."

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FIA imposes penalties on two F1 power unit producers for violating budget limits

Confirmation from FIA on infringement of Power Unit Financial Rules

Honda and Alpine have agreed to "acknowledged infringement arrangements" regarding the Power Unit Financial Regulations, as declared by the FIA.

Honda is required to pay a penalty of $600,000, while Alpine is obligated to settle $400,000 for violating the regulations.

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A statement from the FIA indicated: "The Cost Cap Administration acknowledged that both PUMs have been collaborative and sincere throughout the evaluation process, willingly providing further information and evidence promptly upon request. It was noted that this marks the inaugural year of the complete implementation of the Power Unit Financial Regulations, and there have been no claims or proof suggesting that either Alpine or HRC has gained any unfair benefit from the violation."

Honda is the engine supplier for both Red Bull and its affiliated team, RB, whereas Alpine furnishes engines for its in-house team.

The Financial Regulations for Power Units essentially act as a spending limit for engine producers, in anticipation of the regulatory adjustments set for 2026.

It falls outside the spending limit imposed on F1 teams.

The Agreement on Accepted Breach, finalized by both Honda and Alpine, announced: "2023 marks the inaugural year for the implementation of the Power Unit Financial Regulations, a detailed framework of regulations that Power Unit Manufacturers had to adjust to.

"Neither Honda nor Alpine have been accused or shown to have engaged in any actions with malicious intent, dishonesty, or fraud, nor is there any indication that they intentionally hid any details from the Cost Cap Administration."

Honda provided paperwork that contained "errors in the exclusion and/or adjustment of costs when determining its relevant expenses," according to the FIA.

The FIA identified considerable shortcomings in the paperwork provided by Alpine.

"The FIA mentioned that Alpine had failed to carry out a number of mandatory processes and had only partially executed several others."

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Christian Horner's take on the Liam Lawson versus Sergio Perez clash

"He shows that the two teams indeed compete against each other"

Christian Horner believes that valuable insights will be gained from the competition between Liam Lawson and Sergio Perez.

RB racer Lawson was involved in a dispute during the F1 Mexico City Grand Prix with Red Bull's Perez, whom he might replace next season.

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On the 19th lap, Lawson collided with Perez's sidepod and subsequently directed an offensive hand signal towards him, for which he later expressed regret.

Perez expressed frustration, suggesting Lawson lacked the proper mindset for Formula 1, referencing his recent altercation with Fernando Alonso.

The clash between Lawson and Perez represented an unusual instance where Red Bull engaged in a direct competition with their affiliated team on the race track.

"Initially, it shows that the two teams actually compete against one another," responded Red Bull's leader Horner.

"While being under the same ownership, they operate autonomously in their racing strategies. Liam has expressed his apologies to Checo for the incident. Clearly, there are lessons to be learned from this situation, but it's particularly disappointing for Checo, who suffered damage and lost crucial points in today's race.

"I haven't had a conversation with Liam so far, but I've communicated with Checo and it's clear that the two drivers have had a discussion with each other."

The confrontation with Lawson added to Perez's dismal weekend, especially since it occurred during his home grand prix.

He ended up in 17th place and received a time penalty due to improperly placing his vehicle on the starting line.

"Horner believes that the error was simply placing the car too far ahead, outside of the designated area," he stated.

"Once more, Checo has experienced a dreadful weekend. Everything has turned out poorly for him over these days."

"He's aware that Formula 1 operates on the principle of performance outcomes, and naturally, when you fail to meet expectations, all eyes are turned towards you."

Horner couldn't make promises about Perez continuing as a driver for Red Bull, even though he has a contract for the upcoming year and the team had previously expressed confidence in him earlier in the season.

Concerns for Horner also include Red Bull dropping to third in the team standings, overtaken by Ferrari.

Horner acknowledged that McLaren and Ferrari demonstrated superior race speed compared to Red Bull during the Mexico Grand Prix.

"The key takeaway from today is that our speed just wasn't on par when using the hard tyre," he noted.

"Max simply couldn't find traction. It felt as if activating the tires wasn't an option for us."

"The most significant hurdle in the upcoming four days is figuring out the reasons behind it. Clearly, Brazil presents a wholly unique challenge compared to this track, yet there's a noticeable trend where the McLaren shines, especially towards the end of races."

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EXCLUSIVE: Ayrton Senna's Tense Encounters with Reporters Involved "Losing it, Physical Contact"

Ayrton Senna's media representative shares insights on his intense interactions with journalists with Stewart Bell

In athletics, the most compelling tales often stem from individuals who operate behind the scenes – those who have experienced it all, yet aren't the first ones reached out to for their perspective. The true insiders…

Betise Assumpção-Head once held the role of personal press officer for the legendary Ayrton Senna, a celebrated three-time Formula 1 World Champion.

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Remarkably, Assumpção-Head's ascent to the top of motor racing originated from her passion for volleyball, a sport she took up at the age of 14. However, she chose a different path for her career and decided to pursue writing about sports. She landed her initial role as a journalist at 21, stepping in for a maternity leave position at Folha de S.Paulo, a daily newspaper in São Paulo, only a year after earning her degree in journalism.

"Volleyball experienced a significant surge in popularity by the time I completed my studies," Assumpção-Head notes.

"At that period, we were part of an outstanding cohort, ranking almost at the top globally. However, volleyball wasn't a well-known sport, so it was an opportune moment for me to document it given my close connections with the team. Having journeyed alongside a few and shared the same club, I was intimately familiar with many of the players."

Before long, she encountered the future F1 legend, Senna, who was on his ascent to the pinnacle of the sport.

Honda has released an incredible advertisement starring three-time #F1 champions Ayrton Senna and Max Verstappen, earning widespread acclaim 👏📹 @hondapic.twitter.com/oj3KP5YcF8— Crash.net – Formula 1 (@CRASH_NET_F1) October 9, 2024

Q: Can you recall the initial encounter with Ayrton Senna?

Betise Head (BH) recounted, "My job was with Folha de S.Paulo, and whenever Ayrton came back to Brazil, at that time competing in Formula 3 and Formula 3000, he would reach out to the media. He already had a modest agency working for him, but whenever he made those calls, they'd send me – the newcomer, since no one was really interested in covering: 'oh, there's this racer claiming victory in a competition.'"

"Thus, I inadvertently kept tabs on his professional journey. Motor racing wasn't really my thing. Yet, every quarter or so, his name would pop up. By 1985, my career took me from Folha to Placar, a football magazine. Due to poor sales, they broadened their focus to include a variety of sports."

In 1986, Ayrton received the title of Sportsperson of the Year, a recognition that came as no surprise. This significant achievement was a prelude to his move to Lotus the next year. As part of a special feature, I was assigned to cover his story, which led me to visit his office for an interview. I also had the opportunity to meet his family and visit [helmet designer] Sid [Mosca], from whom I obtained his helmet. Through these interactions, I became quite familiar with his circle.

"I wasn't exactly friends with them, but we maintained a good professional connection, and they genuinely appreciated all of my work and contributions."

Q: What transpired following that?

BH: "In 1987, a year later, I made the decision to head to England. Being a woman in the sports journalism field, I was never assigned any prestigious assignments, constantly being delegated tasks that nobody else was interested in taking on.

I relocated to London to live with my sister, who resides roughly 300 meters from Wimbledon. By chance, the best friend of Ayrton, who had previously worked with my sister in the advertising industry in Brazil, ran into her. During their encounter, he mentioned he was heading to Wimbledon and inquired if it would be possible to park his car at her place. She agreed without hesitation. What we hadn't realized was that Ayrton would be accompanying him.

"By chance, I encountered him at Wimbledon, and he inquired about my presence there. I explained that my aim was to enhance my English skills by staying there. However, as the event concluded and he returned to pick up the car, Ayrton was once more present. He shared with me his plans to dine with the Japanese [Honda] representatives, as he was intent on convincing them to join McLaren. He then extended an invitation for me to accompany him."

Q: Can you share how you ended up being his spokesperson?

BH: "After more than a year, he reached out to me, mentioning he required a companion for attending the races. There was a Brazilian journalist who previously covered stories for him, but since this journalist contributed to multiple outlets and had family obligations, he needed to focus on making a living and fulfilling his responsibilities."

"It seems their initial attempt led to some conflicts of interest. Consequently, I was suggested to him by individuals I previously collaborated with at an automotive magazine. These folks had since established their agency and were managing his publicity in Brazil. He reached out to me, a detail that often surprises people!"

"He mentioned, 'Are you keen on joining me for this? Currently, I'm locked in a significant dispute with [former FIA President Jean-Marie] Balestre, and it's uncertain if I'll even compete. However, if I do, I'd like you to be part of my team.' I agreed immediately and began focusing solely on the Grand Prix races. My daily task was to craft a press release. Back in the days before the internet was widespread, many journalists lacked access to reliable information. In Brazil, only the major newspapers and television networks had the resources to dispatch reporters globally – others had to depend on news provided by international agencies."

"Essentially, our daily routine involved me dispatching a well-structured news piece that covered all the significant events, incorporating facts and unique statements. This piece, however, always highlighted Senna, who naturally was the focal point of any article from Brazil, wasn't he?"

"We dispatched that to Brazil where it was circulated among approximately 350 newspapers. This gave him significant visibility, which was further enhanced when we started including photographs. The operation expanded from that point on."

Q: How was it collaborating with Ayrton?

BH remarked, "Much of it revolved around conserving Ayrton's time. There were instances where I told him, 'I noticed you leaving an engineering meeting appearing incredibly stressed."

This is the reason I was handling his media tasks. I organized joint interview sessions with magazines ensuring there were no conflicts, and I documented all interactions. Once we had conducted several interviews, I compiled a comprehensive file containing all the information about him, including all the inquiries he had responded to.

I would approach the journalist and inform them, "You'll have a 20-minute session with Ayrton. However, take a look at his file first, review it thoroughly. Make sure not to come unprepared and inquire about his sister's name, as that will prompt him to stand up and walk out, leaving you speaking to no one.

"Being allocated 20 minutes with Ayrton Senna and inquiring about his preferred color is unthinkable. Yes, indeed, there were those who actually did!"

Ayrton had a known aversion to interviews, yet once genuinely engaged, it was a challenge to pull him away. Engineers would often attempt to intervene, but he was captivated by a truly stimulating conversation.

He enjoyed clarifying his thoughts and aimed to be comprehended. He was fond of engaging with smart, intriguing individuals.

"When he was on a walk and encountered interruptions, given that F1 was far more accessible back then – anyone could stroll into the pit lane – he would direct them to converse with me, mentioning I had a roster and always kept him informed. I assured him, pass everything my way. That's my role. No stress. We'll handle it all."

Q: Did the press encounter any problems?

BH expressed concern, suggesting that the system would be exploited, leading to instances of physical interaction.

Nowadays, everything is organized, including designated interview zones and such – but back then, journalists would confront him right at the garage's rear before he had a chance to speak with his engineer, which understandably frustrated him.

I halted the process by informing the reporters that although I understand everyone has deadlines, it's primarily the Europeans who are under severe time constraints. The South Americans have more flexibility. Consequently, I arranged the schedule for interviews, placing the Brazilians at the end.

The Europeans were the first to go since they form the largest group. Thus, you arrange everything, and then you might discover individuals at the rear of the garage. You would then tell them – folks, if you remain at the back of the motorhome, he won't ever come out because he can spot you here.

"He's likely upset because you're blocking access to the engineering team's office. When you treated everyone equally, they all got it since I was the first to give many of them any opportunity to meet Ayrton. So, everyone was thankful for that.

He remained present until every inquiry was addressed in three different languages. However, I took charge, ensuring that individuals left once they received sufficient answers. The queries were repetitive, identical each week, and I had everything documented.

"I would also frequent the pressroom, and everyone there understood that I was a reliable source for information because I was aware of his statements. We didn't engage in manipulating the narrative; I simply shared the facts."

"He explained that within these circumstances, that was his intended meaning and belief, among other things. It's straightforward, and it's astonishing that it isn't done more frequently."

Q: It's been three decades since we lost him in the tragic events of the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix. Could you share your experience of that challenging day?

BH stated, "That day, it felt as though I was operating on instinct – everything was automatic. Leonardo's brother was present, and my priority was to ensure he had a secure hospital room away from the media's prying eyes."

"I didn't have the authority to disseminate formal updates. That was the hospital's responsibility. My role involved interacting with several individuals who emerged.

Following his declaration of death, the sole request made of me, which I declined, was to confirm the identity of the body. I refused to undertake this task.

"I was already aware, since Gerhard Berger, his friend, had visited the hospital expressing his desire to see him. I questioned, are you certain? We had received instructions not to visit him due to the severe nature of his head injuries. However, Berger insisted on seeing him."

"He returned, pale-faced, and uttered, 'I regret going; please, ensure nobody else enters.'"

After completing everything, I returned to the [Imola] track around 10:30 PM, took a seat in the motorhome, and found all my belongings still there.

A segment aired on Sky TV featured Ayrton, bronzed and dressed in a vibrant yellow shirt. His hair appeared damp from jet skiing as he expressed, "I adore my life in this place, it's wonderful here."

At that moment, I began to cry uncontrollably. I was unable to stop or catch my breath. This continued into the next day.

Leonardo, his brother, was present, and our efforts were focused on shielding him from the media. We transferred him to another hotel, yet the journalists managed to locate him there as well. Regardless, it was a challenging situation, but I managed to handle it.

I spent several days working from the office in Brazil, followed by a stint in Monaco. There, an incident occurred at the Nouvelle chicane where Karl Wendlinger collided with the barrier, resulting in him being placed in an induced coma. That moment overwhelmed me – it was simply too much to bear. I apologized and made the decision to take a break; I had to distance myself from everything.

I recently took a two-week break from work to visit my sister, who is expecting. We spent our time quietly together by the seaside, away from everyone else. Upon my return, there was interest in penning a book, yet they were hesitant to share specifics.

"Initially, I was just getting by day-to-day, but then, three months down the line, by the time August wrapped up, I returned here [to Europe] with an open mind about my next steps. I was uncertain about the future but decided to proceed regardless."

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Andrea Iannone, known for being somewhat controversial, is expected to dive into action and leave a mark. Some suggest it might have been wiser to choose a younger Italian rider, given the advantage of youth.

Andrea Iannone is expected to fully engage in his return to MotoGP.

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