Overview
- The FIA’s forecast points to unsettled weather at Interlagos, with a 40% rain risk Friday, thundery showers likely Saturday, and about a 20% threat on Sunday.
- Both the Saturday sprint and the grand prix qualifying could be affected by rain, raising the prospect of wet sessions or disruptions.
- The sprint-weekend format compresses key running into Saturday, with the sprint in the morning and grand prix qualifying in the afternoon, increasing scheduling pressure.
- New 2025 regulations state that if qualifying or sprint qualifying cannot take place, the grid will be set by drivers’ championship standings, which would place Norris first, Piastri second, and Verstappen third.
- Interlagos’ recent wet chaos, including Verstappen’s win from 17th last year, underpins warnings from Jolyon Palmer that rain could bring the Red Bull driver back into the title fight.