Max Verstappen arrives at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace for the Brazilian Grand Prix facing a potentially challenging weekend. Forecasts indicate significant rain and thunderstorms are expected across the event. This marks the twentieth round of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
The drivers’ world championship has already been decided. Kimi Antonelli secured the 2026 title at the Mexico City Grand Prix, finishing third. Antonelli, at 20 years and 68 days old, became the youngest Formula 1 World Champion in history.
Despite the drivers’ title being settled, the battle for second place in the championship remains open. Max Verstappen currently holds second with 261 points. Lewis Hamilton follows closely with 259 points, while George Russell has 250 points. Charles Leclerc is also in contention with 245 points.
The Constructors’ Championship is also undecided. Mercedes leads Ferrari by 126 points, with 630 points to Ferrari’s 504. Mercedes can clinch the constructors’ title in Brazil by outscoring Ferrari by just three points.
McLaren is currently 17 points behind Red Bull in the fight for third place in the constructors’ standings. McLaren will introduce front wing, rear wing, and floor component upgrades at Interlagos.
The weather forecast for the São Paulo Grand Prix indicates variable conditions. Friday’s free practice sessions are expected to begin with rain, though conditions should improve, potentially allowing for largely dry running. Temperatures are forecast around 24°C.
Saturday is predicted to be more unsettled. Temperatures could reach approximately 29°C before thunderstorms develop in the afternoon. Showers are forecast around the time qualifying commences, with a 60-70% chance of precipitation.
For Sunday’s race, temperatures are expected to drop sharply to around 17°C. Rain and drizzle are forecast throughout the morning and into the afternoon. There is a 40-50% chance of rain at the race start.
Pirelli has supplied the C3, C4, and C5 tyre compounds for the weekend, which are one step softer than those used last year. Drivers will need to consider wet weather car setups during Friday’s practice sessions.
Max Verstappen will wear a special Brazilian-inspired helmet for the São Paulo Grand Prix. The design incorporates green, yellow, and blue, replacing his usual Dutch colours.
This tribute acknowledges Verstappen’s personal connections to Brazil, including his partner Kelly Piquet, who is Brazilian. It also celebrates his notable performances at Interlagos.
Verstappen’s past successes at the circuit include a significant wet-weather drive in 2016 and a victory from 17th on the grid in 2024.
The Autódromo José Carlos Pace circuit measures 4.309 kilometres. The race will cover 71 laps, totaling 305.879 kilometres.
Under the 2026 regulations, the circuit features Overtake Mode and active aero instead of DRS. There are two straight mode zones: the pit straight and the back straight.
The Overtake Mode detection point is located between Turns 12 and 13, with activation occurring just after Turn 13. Valtteri Bottas holds the current lap record from 2018.
The schedule for the São Paulo Grand Prix weekend (all times in Dutch time) is as follows:
Friday, November 6:
Free Practice 1: 16:30
Free Practice 2: 20:00Saturday, November 7:
Free Practice 3: 15:30
Qualifying: 19:00Sunday, November 8:
Race: 18:00
