Overview
- Lando Norris holds a one-point lead over Oscar Piastri with four rounds left, and Brazil’s sprint format offers up to 33 points that could compress the standings quickly.
- Forecasters expect persistent rain in São Paulo through race day, and Max Verstappen notes Interlagos can become “pretty crazy” in the wet after his comeback win from P17 there last year.
- Helmut Marko credits Red Bull’s rebound to recent upgrades and a shift to prioritize Verstappen’s technical feedback, making the RB21 easier to drive with a wider operating window.
- Ralf Schumacher says Brazil will indicate whether Verstappen’s title bid remains viable, while Bernie Ecclestone predicts the Red Bull driver will still prevail despite a 36-point deficit.
- Qualifying carries unusual weight this season with 14 of 20 races won from pole, as Piastri seeks to halt a form dip McLaren links to grip and car traits and Norris cautions that not all issues are solved.