Damon Hill reserves praise for one driver who didn’t score points at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix

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The Sao Paulo Grand Prix will forever be remembered as one of the most entertaining Sundays in the history of Formula 1.

In treacherous circumstances, Max Verstappen made up 16 positions to win the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

He was caught out by one of five red flags in qualifying to only finish 12th, before being handed a five-place grid penalty for an engine change.

Alex Albon was the only driver to crash in qualifying who couldn’t start the race, but both Aston Martin cars needed to be repaired, as did Franco Colapinto’s Williams and Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari which had to start from the pit lane.

Fernando Alonso was the only driver who brought out a red flag in qualifying that managed to finish the race, with Lance Stroll bizarrely spinning out on the formation lap, and Sainz and Colapinto having their second race-ending crashes of the day.

Damon Hill took to Instagram after the race to praise Alonso despite the Spaniard only finishing 14th in the race.

The two-time world champion was struggling with his back in the car, as despite the Interlagos circuit being resurfaced, almost every driver was complaining about how bumpy it was.

Damon Hill praises Fernando Alonso after the Sao Paulo Grand Prix

Speaking to the media after the race, Alonso said: “All in all it was a tough day today. We had to change some components after the crash in Qualifying which meant the car was a little bit slower.

“We also had a brake issue after the restart. The car was really bouncing in the second half of the race – in other circumstances, I would have stopped – but the mechanics did such a good job to get the car ready after the crash, so I finished the race for them.

“The triple-header has not been easy for us, with another one coming. We need to regroup and find some more performance.”

READ MORE: Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso’s life outside F1 from net worth to Cars 2

In response to a video showing Alonso needed help to get out of his car at the end of the Grand Prix, Hill replied: “This guy, he’s a pro.”

Alonso now has a three-week break to recover from not only the physical strain of what was once known as the Brazilian Grand Prix but also the illness he suffered in the days between the races in Mexico and Brazil.

The Spaniard flew back to Europe to see a specialist about an infection, putting more strain on his body by taking two long-haul flights while trying to recover after a gruelling triple-header.

Fernando Alonso now beyond 400 Grand Prix entries

Alonso is the most experienced driver in the history of Formula 1 having entered more than 400 Grand Prix.

Unfortunately, this season hasn’t gone to plan for him or Aston Martin as despite sitting fifth in the Constructors’ Championship, they’re a long way off the top four teams.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Aston Martin F1 Team from team principal to lineage

Alpine could now put Aston Martin under pressure with a double-podium finish and they arguably have a car that’s only good enough to consistently beat the pointless Sauber team.

Alonso was hailed after reaching the 400 Grand Prix milestone even if it was another fruitless weekend with the Spaniard forced to retire.

The 43-year-old has signed up to race for Aston Martin for another two seasons, but he’ll be left questioning whether it’s all worth it if the team can’t build a car capable of even challenging for points, let alone podiums and race wins.