The Sao Paulo Grand Prix is set for an unpredictable afternoon at Interlagos, with a shuffled grid and a forecast for rain creating the possibility of a dramatic race. For the third consecutive year, Lando Norris will start from pole position in Brazil, with newly crowned world champion Kimi Antonelli alongside him on the front row. However, much of the attention will be on the back of the grid, where Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton will line up after power unit changes forced them to start from the rear. Charles Leclerc also faces a 10-place grid penalty and will begin 14th.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff described the situation as resembling a reverse grid race, calling it exciting and emphasizing the desire to secure points for the Constructors’ Championship. George Russell, who qualified seventh after a five-place penalty for a new internal combustion engine, adds to the list of front-running drivers starting out of position.
Verstappen and Hamilton Face Uphill Battle
Verstappen has a history of strong comebacks at Interlagos, including a memorable win from 17th in 2024 and a podium charge from the pit lane last year. Yet he cautioned that overtaking will be more difficult this time, noting that Overtake Mode is less effective at this circuit because drivers are already deploying full battery power from the final corner to Turn 1. He suggested that passing the first few cars may not be a problem, but moving past those with similar pace will be harder.
Hamilton, who famously climbed from 20th to fifth in the 2021 Sprint and then won from 10th, will not have the same car advantage this weekend as Ferrari appear to be struggling compared to their recent form. Nevertheless, the high chance of rain could allow both Hamilton and Verstappen to showcase their wet-weather skills. Hamilton said he enjoys racing in the rain and used qualifying as a test to ensure the engine and car felt good, adding that he feels positive for the race.
Norris Pins Hopes on Wet Weather
Norris, the reigning world champion, acknowledged that McLaren may not have the outright pace to beat Antonelli in dry conditions, pointing to the Mercedes driver’s strong long-run performance in Friday practice. McLaren have introduced new front and rear wings, beam wing and floor elements this weekend, which appear to have delivered an immediate performance boost. Still, Norris believes rain would improve his chances and is hoping for a dark, gloomy day.
Antonelli, who secured the title last week in Mexico, said he feels good in both wet and dry conditions and is looking forward to the race. He highlighted his strong single-lap and long-run pace in the dry, particularly in FP2.
Leclerc and Russell Also Eye Opportunities
Leclerc, starting 14th, sees the wet qualifying as a valuable learning experience and believes set-up experiments could benefit him in the race. He considers wet driving one of his strengths and remains optimistic that Ferrari can find a better performance window to fight for a strong result.
Russell, who was frustrated after qualifying, said he felt very confident in the rain and hopes for wet conditions, believing he has a greater chance if the race is wet.
Mercedes have a significant opportunity to clinch the Constructors’ Championship, needing to outscore Ferrari by three points or more to secure their ninth title since 2014. With Antonelli second and Russell seventh, while both Ferraris are outside the top 13, the stage is set for a tense and unpredictable Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
