Five things to look out for at the Brazilian Grand Prix

The penultimate race of the season is upon us as it's lights out and away we go at Interlagos for the Brazilian Grand Prix. With three different teams occupying the first three places it will be a fascinating start, so here are five things to look out for at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

Who will lead going into turn one?

Max Verstappen has put himself in the best possible position but will he lead going into turn one? With Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton taking the two places behind the Dutchman, you can bet on them being eager to get ahead of the Red Bull which has less power with its Honda engine. 

Verstappen will want this more than any driver on the grid after the drama of last season's edition so expect a proper battle into the first corner!

Can Albon make a statement on his Interlagos debut?

Despite outscoring his teammate since being promoted to Red Bull, Alex Albon is yet to properly kick it amongst the big hitters. But after topping FP1 Albon has already shown pace around the circuit and he could benefit from Charles Leclerc's ten-place grid penalty.

It is his first time racing around Interlagos but Albon has refused to use that as an excuse. With his teammate starting on pole his performance may go under the radar but after being given a contract to partner Verstappen next season, the Thai driver will want to repay some of the faith his team have shown in him. 

Charles Leclerc to battle his way through the field

Charles Leclerc knew from the start this weekend was going to be tough given his grid penalty for an engine change. His qualifying didn't help him and he'll start down in 14th for the race.

We've seen at times some brilliant overtakes from Leclerc but having to battle his way through the field will bring back memories of the Monaco Grand Prix when he was forced to retire, after an incident with Nico Hulkenberg. On that occasion, his race came to a premature end but he'll want nothing more than to fight his way up the leaderboard and hold on to his place in the Drivers' Championship.

The midfield battle is wide open 

Four different teams take up the five midfield places on the starting grid for the Brazilian Grand Prix. Pierre Gasly starts in sixth with, Romain Grosjean, Kimi Raikkonen, Kevin Magnussen and Lando Norris filling the top ten.

Surprisingly it is Haas who have two cars in the top ten after they pulled together a very respectable showing in qualifying. Whether it translates to the race remains to be seen, but with Daniel Ricciardo, Giovinazzi and Nico Hulkenberg lurking just outside the top ten they'll want to get amongst the action. The real battle is definitely in the midfield.

Whatever happens, expect drama

Interlagos has provided some iconic moments through the years and it wouldn't be a surprise if we saw some more. Incredible moments like "is that Glock" and Jos Verstappen wiping out Juan Pablo Montoya spring to mind. More recently Massa's emotional premature farewell and just last year Verstappen and Ocon coming to blows have all occurred at the legendary circuit.