2004 Brazilian Grand Prix

Lore & Background

The race started with a damp track. Most drivers began on intermediate tyres, with only Alonso, Villeneuve and Coulthard opting for dry tyres. At the start, Barrichello maintained the lead, but was overtaken after a few corners by Räikkönen. Montoya got off to a bad start and was relegated to fourth place. The intermediate tires soon proved unsuitable, and the first to mount dry tires was Ralf Schumacher during the 4th lap. After tire changes, Alonso led ahead of Montoya, Räikkönen, Ralf Schumacher, Sato, Barrichello, Villeneuve and Coulthard. Alonso gave up first place to Montoya at the end of the 18th lap when he returned to the pits to refuel. On lap 23, Webber attempted to overtake his teammate Klien, but the two came into contact; Webber retired, Klien returned to the pits. Montoya had a good lead over Räikkönen. The third series of pit stops proved decisive. Räikkönen, leading the race, pushed hard but when he made his pit stop on lap 55, he returned to the track just one second behind Montoya. At the front, Räikkönen tried in vain to put pressure on Montoya, but the Colombian took his first win of the season ahead of Räikkönen, Barrichello, Alonso and Ralf Schumacher. For Montoya it was the 4th victory of his career, and for Williams it was the last victory until the 2012 Spanish Grand Prix.

In Their Own Story

The roar of the V10 engines echoed around the Interlagos grandstand as the lights went out. Juan Pablo Montoya gripped the wheel, eyes fixed on the red tail-lights of the Ferraris ahead. The track was dry, but the tension was palpable; one mistake against such pace would be fatal. He held third place through the opening laps, defending his line with precision. It wasn’t a victory to celebrate, but as he crossed the line, it was a statement of resilience in a season where every point counted.

Reader's Guide

Juan Pablo Montoya won the race. Kimi Räikkönen finished second. Rubens Barrichello finished third. Ralf Schumacher finished fifth. Montoya started from second on the grid. Barrichello secured pole position. Michael Schumacher did not win the race.

Did You Know?

• Juan Pablo Montoya won the race, his first win of the season and the 4th victory of his career.
• It was Williams' last victory until the 2012 Spanish Grand Prix.
• Rubens Barrichello's third place was his only podium finish at his home event.
• Ralf Schumacher finished fifth, not retired early.