Max Verstappen is trailing 36 points behind championship leader Lando Norris, but he’s the favorite this weekend as he aims for a third consecutive victory at Interlagos.
The 28-year-old, a four-time world champion, has triumphed at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix three times for Red Bull – in 2019, 2023, and 2024.
Last year, he claimed victory from 17th on the grid in heavy rain, with Norris finishing sixth as he tried to close the gap on the Dutchman.
This year, Verstappen is the one chasing the McLaren drivers at the top of the standings.
Norris leads his teammate Oscar Piastri by just one point following his win in Mexico, but with four races left, Verstappen is gaining momentum.
With three wins and six straight podium finishes, he’s back in the championship race after trailing by 104 points at the end of August. Verstappen has expressed his fondness for racing in Brazil.
“It’s a special place for me,” he said.
“Not just because of the amazing races and moments, but also because my in-laws are from Brazil.
“The rain can be intense, leading to thrilling races like last year, which was emotional and crucial for the championship.”
Verstappen’s partner, Kelly Piquet, is the daughter of three-time champion Nelson Piquet, and they welcomed their daughter Lily in May.
He has been staying with her family in Brazil ahead of this weekend’s event.
“I’ll wear my special Brazil helmet for this race,” said Verstappen.
“The track has a lot of history and a great legacy, with many cherished memories. I enjoy racing on such a classic track.”
Norris’ victory in Mexico was a confidence boost, as his best result in Brazil was second place two years ago. Piastri, aiming to regain his past form, achieved a personal best eighth last year.
While Red Bull focuses on developing their 2025 car, McLaren is shifting attention to next year’s rule changes, seemingly allowing competitors to gain an edge until Norris’ strong response.
Team principal Andrea Stella commented on the 25-year-old Briton’s win, expressing confidence for both McLaren drivers ahead of the final four races, which include sprints in Brazil and Qatar.
Late Surge
“We approach these races with better insight into consistently maximizing our car’s performance, as we underperformed in the four races leading up to Mexico,” he said.
Piastri has adapted his style to improve in low-grip conditions and believes he’s in a stronger position than many think, despite Norris’ recent dominance in their team duel.
“In the last four races, I see no reason why one track should favor one driver over another,” added Stella, noting the growing threat from Verstappen, Ferrari, and Mercedes as they contend for second in the constructors’ championship.
McLaren sealed their second title weeks ago and enter Brazil with 713 points, while Ferrari leads Mercedes by a point, with Red Bull close behind.
“We’ve faced challenging weekends, but we’re still vying for P2,” said Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff.
“Our advantage slipped away in Austin and Mexico, but we aim to strike back in Brazil.”
Mercedes’ George Russell claimed victory in Brazil in 2022, and Ferrari’s seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton has celebrated wins at Interlagos in 2016, 2018, and 2021 with Mercedes.
Hamilton and teammate Charles Leclerc, who recently got engaged to Alexandra Saint Mleux, showed speed in Mexico with Leclerc finishing second, and they are targeting another strong performance.
With rain predicted, a thrilling and competitive weekend is expected at a circuit known for unpredictable results and dramatic races.
