background image

That was the weekend that was

The São Paulo Grand Prix according to social media

As we departed Interlagos and headed for the airport, a first double DNF since Monaco in 2017 still fresh in our minds, we couldn't shake the feeling in the pit of our stomachs that comes with a disappointing result. It was humbling, but it wouldn't keep us down. Waking up on Monday morning, we'd already put it to bed, revitalised by a brand-new race week and a chance to put things right.

Scrolling back through the weekend's social media messages certainly helped, reminding us of the more positive parts of the weekend, including Daniel's overtake-laden Sprint and the way in which Lando bravely battled through illness.

It also showcased the wonderful support we received from you all, even in the face of defeat, and for us, there is no better reason to get back on the metaphorical horse. For that, we're forever grateful.

We kept track of our favourite posts and have used them to tell the story of the weekend through your eyes…

Vamos Brazil!

We hope everyone brought some of their most stylish wet-weather clothing and a rubber duck or two.

Not the worst idea. 

Unfortunately, Lando was feeling unwell with suspected food poisoning, so remained at the hotel to rest on Thursday. During his recovery, he kept his spirits up with your messages of support. 

Do you have the Super License points, though?

Meanwhile, Daniel was off sharpening his MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) skills. 

And yet, even when faced with fomer UFC World Champion Charles Oliveira, he still can't help but smile… At this point, we're convinced that straight-faced Daniel just doesn't exist.

It was great to see so many of you at the track when we arrived at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace.  

We'd been excited to get up close and personal with the Interlagos track all week.

But not that close... We don't know where the tracks been.

Ain't no keeping Lando down. After suffering from suspected food poisoning on Thursday, our British star was back at track on Friday, still not 100%, but with a brave face on. 

Time to send it in soggy São Paulo! 

Despite still feeling under the weather, Lando produced a superb result in qualifying, punching in a time good enough for a second-row start. 

Daniel qualified 14th but with a chance to fight his way up the order in the Sprint.

Congratulations, @laissoliv! We hope you had an amazing day… We reckon a wedding is a reasonable enough excuse to be missing the Sprint. We hope to see you back in front of a TV for Abu Dhabi, though! 

Daniel did exactly as we'd expected and put on a show in the Sprint, charging up to P11. Finishing within one place of the points, his drive put us in with a good chance of breaking into the top 10 in Sunday's race.

Still feeling the effects of his illness on Thursday, Lando dropped down the order, but retained seventh, securing two solid points. It was yet another valiant effort against the odds.

Turning 23 on the Sunday, Lando was to celebreate his birthday with a race at one of the greatest circuits on the calendar. The birthday well wishes flooded in from you all, here are a few of our favourites… 

It was great to see you all watching from far and wide.

And you continued to fill the track with papaya too.

We couldn't resist…

We certainly won't shy away from the race, but the less said about it the better. A tough day for the many, many people who put in so much work both at track and at the factory, and for Lando and Daniel, who gave it their all. 

Thankfully, we had our amazing fanbase to keep our spirits up. Never too high, never too low.

A double-DNF isn't how we'd hoped to depart Brazil, but you know we'll learn from it and come back stronger. 

One more round to go, one last massive push. We'll see you all in Abu Dhabi. Never change, Papaya Army. 

Join the team

McLaren Plus is our free-to-join fan loyalty programme, bringing McLaren fans closer to the team with the most inclusive, rewarding and open-to-all fan programmes in motorsport.

Sign up now, or current members can amend their details in the form below if necessary.