Overview
- FIA forecasts thundery showers for Saturday with possible 75 km/h gusts, making the sprint and qualifying likely wet, while Sunday looks cooler with a lower rain risk.
- Other outlets project a wetter race day, with some forecasts placing the grand prix rain chance near 50%.
- The sprint format returns with extra points on offer, including eight for the sprint winner, increasing the weekend’s potential to shift the standings.
- Lando Norris leads Oscar Piastri by one point after Mexico, with Max Verstappen 36 points back following a 2024 Brazil race that turned on rain and helped deliver his title.
- Pirelli brings C2–C4 compounds one step harder than last year, and lingering debate over last year’s turn-one/turn-two shortcuts and Gabriel Bortoleto’s home return add further storylines.