Overview
- Lando Norris tops the standings on 357 points with Oscar Piastri on 356 and Max Verstappen on 321 heading into Brazil, with four races and two sprints left.
- Weather forecasts signal rain throughout the São Paulo week, and the sprint format brings separate qualifying sessions on Friday and Saturday before Sunday’s Grand Prix.
- Verstappen has strong wet‑weather pedigree at Interlagos, including last year’s victory from 17th on the grid, and he notes the track’s tendency to produce chaotic races.
- McLaren insists it will not favor either driver in the title run‑in, with Zak Brown ruling out team orders despite reminders of the 2007 intra‑team duel.
- Oscar Piastri’s recent form has dipped after losing the lead in Mexico, and his previous Brazilian results have been modest, while Red Bull’s improved mood under Laurent Mekies has supported Verstappen’s late push.