CHAMPIONSHIP HEATS UP: Murphey Delivers Knockout Blow with Dominant Brazil Win. 

Murphey Masterclass Closes Gap on Fisher After Chaos in Brazil; Thomas Snags Podium in Photo Finish

The Brazilian Grand Prix delivered a chaotic but decisive race, with Shane Murphey (McLaren Shadow) securing a crucial victory that narrows the championship gap to Matthew Fisher (Mercedes AMG Esports). Fisher, hampered by a poor P8 qualifying start due to a mechanical issue, recovered brilliantly to P2, while Murphey's teammate Lucas Thomas snatched the final podium spot in a photo finish.

Wet Start, Rocket Recovery

The race began in wet conditions, with the field starting on the Intermediate tyre. Jos Van Hallen led the field from pole, with Murphey vaulting to P2. Championship leader Fisher, knowing he had to recover quickly, launched another one of his signature rocket starts, climbing to P4 by Turn 1.

The front of the field quickly stabilized into a thrilling three-way battle: Van Hallen, Murphey, and Fisher. Fisher’s strong drive out of the final corner allowed him to overtake Bono Huis on the start/finish straight, bringing the two championship protagonists into P2 and P3.

Fisher immediately set his sights on Murphey, repeating the pass on the next lap to claim P2. Murphey wisely didn't fight the move, acknowledging the Mercedes was better positioned, but Fisher soon found the pace of the Red Bull too strong to challenge for P1.

The Pit Stop Standoff and Contact

As the track began to dry, a tense strategic standoff developed between the top three over who would pit first for slick tyres. At the end of Lap 6, Van Hallen and Fisher came in simultaneously, followed by Murphey, all fitting the Soft compound. The order remained Van Hallen (P1), Fisher (P2), Murphey (P3).

Fisher immediately renewed his attack on Van Hallen, but the Red Bull driver held firm. Frustration boiled over on the following lap at Turn 6, where Fisher tried again, resulting in contact that sent the Mercedes into a half-spin. Fisher dropped to P4, allowing Huis and Murphey to sweep past.

The contact proved pivotal: Van Hallen's Red Bull suffered front wing damage, causing his pace to plummet. Murphey seized the opportunity, passing the hobbled Red Bull to take the lead of the race.

Final Charge and Photo Finish

Four laps later, Fisher launched a dramatic recovery, executing a daring move down the start/finish straight to pass both Huis and Van Hallen, reclaiming P2. However, Murphey had already pulled out a two-second lead, which only widened over the final laps.

Murphey crossed the line with a comfortable seven-second lead. The real battle was for third, where Lucas Thomas surged past Bono Huis in a breathtaking photo finish.

In the post-race interviews, Murphey praised the car's performance, while Fisher admitted, "The rears were absolutely dead by lap 15, probably pushed a little too hard, but that's racing." Thomas praised Huis for the clean battle that led to their thrilling podium fight.