Overview
- Williams said Sainz felt unwell and canceled his mandatory media duties, without disclosing medical details.
- Team communications and reports suggest optimism he may return on Friday, though participation depends on recovery.
- Interlagos runs a sprint weekend with only one practice before competitive sessions, heightening the cost of lost track time.
- Reports have floated possible stand-ins such as Mercedes reserve Valtteri Bottas or Williams development driver Luke Browning if Sainz is not cleared.
- Williams holds fifth in the constructors’ standings on 111 points, 39 ahead of Racing Bulls, and is running a Gulf-themed livery after announcing a 2026 rebrand to Atlassian Williams F1 Team.