Overview
- Interlagos hosts a sprint weekend with rain and thunderstorms forecast that many expect could reshape the standings across two points-scoring sessions.
- Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko says restructuring and fresh development have made the RB21 more competitive, with Verstappen’s input again central to technical decisions.
- Pundits including Jacques Villeneuve, Martin Brundle and Damon Hill attribute Oscar Piastri’s dip to confidence and overreaching after a mid-season peak, while Lando Norris credits recent gains and targets stronger qualifying consistency.
- McLaren’s ‘papaya rules’ and team directives have drawn criticism for confusing the title fight, and Bernie Ecclestone has alleged without evidence that the team favors Norris; McLaren says both drivers are free to race.
- Jolyon Palmer highlights Las Vegas as a major opening for Verstappen given expectations that McLaren could struggle there, keeping hopes of a late swing alive before the final rounds.