The countdown to the end of the season is in full swing. Only four races remain until the 2025 season comes to an end, and this week Formula 1 heads to Sao Paulo for the Brazilian Grand Prix. What does Interlagos have to offer?
Track, Weather and Atmosphere
With 15 turns over 4.309 kilometers, the track at Interlagos is very technical. It poses challenges to the drivers each year. With more technical tracks like this one, all eyes will be on the rookies since it is their first outing at the track in Formula One cars.
Interlagos usually means an unpredictable weekend. Weather is a massive factor, as it can change so quickly here. Forecasts predict rain scattered across the weekend, with larger probability during the sprint race and grand prix race on Sunday. These clouds could blow over, or settle to make wet running a definite.
Brazil always brings a great atmosphere when Formula One arrives. Grand stands are filled with fans, and the pit lane is buzzing with excitement. The rich racing history in Brazil rouses the drivers to perform here, cheered on by the fans at the event and online.
Sprint Race Format
Since this is a sprint weekend, teams suffer from limited running throughout. Four of the five sessions are competitive, meaning they will have to learn as they go. This sets the stage for unpredictability once again, since teams simply don’t have the time to complete all the preparation in the one free practice session. The schedule still includes five sessions, but with the sprint, they change slightly:
Friday: FP1 (14:30-15:30 GMT), Sprint Qualifying (18:30-19:14 GMT)
Saturday: Sprint Race (14:00-15:00 GMT), Qualifying (18:00-19:00 GMT)
Sunday: Race (17:00 GMT)
The extra points up for grabs will be desired by all drivers, especially those in with a chance in the title race. With eight points for P1, down to one for eighth, clean racing to finish within the reduced points places will be key.
Ones To Watch
With it being a sprint weekend, Max Verstappen is always a safe bet for a great performance. He holds the most Sprint Race wins, with 13, and has won two of the four so far this season. Being in a good run of form, Verstappen is also on the hunt for points as he attempts to defend his title. Last year, he came from P17 to take victory at Interlagos. Will he do the same this time around?
Last year, Alpine surprised everyone when they clinched a 2-3 with their drivers Esteban Ocon (now at Haas) and Pierre Gasly. Will Gasly, and new teammate Franco Colapinto, recreate this great result for the team? Will Ocon take last year’s good luck to his new team?
Many drivers did not finish in 2024, so will be hoping for a better Sunday this time. Among them were both current Williams drivers, Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon. While neither has particularly struggled this season, their form overall has definitely dropped slightly. Both will be wanting to perform this weekend.
The McLarens are obvious ones to watch. Both drivers are striving for their first title, and competition is about as close as it could be. With one point in it going into the weekend, it’s all to play for.
In The News
Most recent reporting has surrounded the title fight, the intensity of which has increased tenfold due to the last race. In Mexico, Lando Norris took the win, and with the points gained, overtook Oscar Piastri in the Drivers’ Championship standings. He leads by one point. Verstappen, who is the defending champion, currently sits in third place, 35 points adrift of second position. His potential title defence has been headline grabbing, especially considering his recent run of good form. Being a sprint weekend, Brazil brings the opportunity to gain more points than usual, something that each of the top drivers will be eager to capitalise on. Will Brazil’s extra points mix up the title race?
Elsewhere, worry has been expressed over Piastri’s drop in form. Some have claimed that it puts his title chances in doubt, especially since his closest rivals have been outperforming him as of late.
Who will come out on top in Brazil? Could there be an upset, or will the usual contenders take the victory?
Written and edited by Alexandra.
Featured image credit: GETTY IMAGES via bbc.co.uk
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