Winners and Losers from the Brazilian Grand Prix

It was not a classic São Paulo Grand Prix but it produced some interesting storylines as Formula 1 heads into the final two races of the season.

Max Verstappen took his 17th win of the season and with it smashed a record that has stood since 1952 - the biggest win percentage in a season, which was held by Alberto Ascari.

Even though it has not been a classic title battle this year, we start off the Winners and Losers at arguably one of this season's best moments yet.

Winner - Fernando Alonso

I can't be alone when I found myself 'coaching' one of the most experienced drivers in Formula 1 through that final lap battle with Sergio Perez.

It was savvy driving from Fernando Alonso to get past Perez at Turn 4, then forcing him to take a tighter line through Junção later in the lap before the run to the finish.

A margin of 0.053secs produced a dramatic photo finish at the line and gave Alonso a deserved podium.

What did Alonso say?

"For the last 30 laps, it felt like I had pressure from Sergio [Pérez]. But when he passed me two laps from the end, I thought the chance of a podium finish was no longer possible. Then he braked a bit late into Turn One on the final lap, and I said to myself I would go for it into Turn Four."

Loser - Mercedes

The race at Interlagos caps off what has been a tough triple-header for Mercedes.

First, it Hamilton's disqualification at Austin, and now the shocking performance in Brazil has only been softened by promise in Mexico City in between.

Russell said the team's pace was "mind-boggling" after the race, while Wolff branded it "inexcusable" for the team.

The only good fortune for them came when Charles Leclerc retired before the race started, preventing any more points from being lost to Ferrari in the Constructors' Championship race for runner-up.

But you can't help but think Mercedes is wanting to just see this season out...

Winner - Sergio Perez

For a moment it looked like Perez was about to be rewarded for biding his time behind Alonso, had it not been for an audacious last-lap move from the Spaniard.

Even so, a recovery from ninth on the grid after an unfortunate qualifying session was a good performance from the Mexican after a tough last few races.

A continuation of this form in races should enable him to seal second in the Drivers' Championship, and put to rest any questions over his immediate future.

What did Perez say?

"I have to say well done to Fernando because it was a great fight and really fair racing. Between us, whoever got the podium, it was well deserved, and he got it.

Loser - Charles Leclerc

Thankfully it was not an error that forced Charles Leclerc out of the race before it began but it was yet another spate of bad luck for the Monégasque.

Although there is yet to be a definitive answer over what happened, it's clear the reliability of the SF-23 is still a problem for the team as it looks to iron out the creases that have plagued the season.

Leclerc looked on course to convert another front row into a podium but it is yet more points thrown away for Ferrari as it battles Mercedes for second in the Constructors' Championship.

What did Leclerc say?

"It’s been a disappointing day on my side. Starting from P2, we were hoping to bring home plenty of points to move up in the championship fight, but unfortunately, we had to retire early. Coming into turn 6 on the formation lap, I lost my power steering and the wheel went stiff, also locking up the rears."

Winner - Lando Norris

Although Lando Norris was pretty downbeat throughout the weekend, he produced one of the most convincing challenges for a win over Verstappen.

After gaining positions at the initial start before red flags were thrown, Norris got himself on to the front row for the restart - a place he should have been in the first place.

It was the best possible scenario for the outcome of the race, as it meant Norris could push Verstappen throughout the stints. It's a shame he could not make his attempt at taking the lead stick, but I have a feeling this is the start of one of the great on-track rivalries in F1.

What did Norris say?

"I'm very happy with today and with all weekend honestly, the pace has been very strong. To again, be coming into race weekend which we weren't expecting to be performing quite at this level, I think is a very good surprise for all of us."

Loser - Alex Albon

The crash with Nico Hulkenberg could prove to be a costly incident for Alex Albon if AlphaTauri scores any more points between now and Abu Dhabi.

Williams Team Principal James Vowles made it clear that he wanted to outscore the Faenza-based outfit at this race to maintain 7th in the Constructors' Championship, but all hopes for that were dashed just over 200 meters into the race at Interlagos.

It has been an impressive season from Albon so far, so you hope this crash does not come back to haunt Williams at the end of the year, even if it wasn't the Thai-Briton's error.

What did Albon say?

"I had a great start; I think it was one of the strongest starts on the grid but after looking at the external cameras, the driver on the inside was a bit blindsided by the two cars on the right, so there wasn’t much I could do. With all the retired cars throughout the race and many out of place with damage from the crash, we really could’ve been on for points, so it’s disappointing when the championship fight is so tight."