Rain, chaos, and a daring drive from P16. Will Verstappen conquer Interlagos again, mirroring his past wet weather heroics for a stunning victory?
The Formula One paddock at Interlagos is bracing for a potentially chaotic weekend, as forecasts predict heavy rain and strong winds could batter the circuit during the Brazilian Grand Prix. The Qualifying was chaotic and especially scary with Bortoleto's 34g to 57g crash. The Grid is looking tense with Norris staring in the front and Verstappen in P16, his first Q1 exit since 2021. But, could we see another Verstappen masterclass in the rain?
Weather will be a factor.
The São Paulo region is currently under a yellow-to-orange weather alert, with meteorologists warning of intense rain and gusts reaching 75 km/h. The Brazilian Grand Prix has a reputation for unpredictability when the skies open. While Sunday’s main race is expected to see clearer skies, the aftermath of Saturday’s weather could drastically alter the competitive landscape. This can either be a gift or a curse for Verstappen who is known for his skilled driving in the rain, take the 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix for example. Starting from P17, max skillfully maneuvered his way in the rain and ultimately finishing P1.
Given that performance, when we talk about Verstappen starting from 16th this weekend , the precedent is there. Yes, he has shown he can win from deep if conditions align, strategy works and pace is there.
What could possibly happen? Reduced grip levels mean even the fastest cars struggle to maintain pace. Verstappen thrives in these conditions and his 2024 Interlagos win from P17 in the wet was proof. Red Bull could pit Verstappen early to get clean air while rivals are battling traffic which means that If a Safety Car or Virtual Safety Car appears, Verstappen will take advantage of the Safety Cars to catch up.
If the Interlagos track isn’t too wet and the skies clear up earlier than expected, meaning damp or lightly raining rather than fully soaked , Max Verstappen’s task from P16 becomes harder, but far from impossible.
If the race leans towards the drier side, tire wear will become the focus. Interlagos is typically rough on tires, especially the left rear. But, this opens the door to fewer pit stops or fresher tires in the final laps which is exactly how he’s stolen wins from behind before.
A victory from Verstappen will be difficult, but not impossible. Whether the skies over Interlagos open up or merely drizzle, Max Verstappen remains a looming threat to the rest of the grid. At a circuit known for chaos, no lead is ever safe.