F1: Everything’s heating up — Interlagos is ready! The three-way battle continues

Lando Norris enters the final stretch of the season as the leader in the overall standings, but with only a one-point advantage over his McLaren teammate, Oscar Piastri. Reigning champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull sits an additional 35 points behind, meaning the battle for this year’s title remains completely open — and every point in the last four race weekends will be crucial.

Finish line is near — five races to crown the 2025 F1 champion!

The first stop in this new chapter of the title fight is the legendary Interlagos. The “Jose Carlos Pace” circuit, named after the tragically deceased Brazilian driver, was known until 1984 by a name that translates to “between two lakes,” which remains widely used even today.

The configuration of the Sao Paulo circuit has changed several times throughout history, but the current 4.3-kilometer layout — unchanged since 1999 — with its distinctive “Senna S” first two corners, long straights, and elevation changes, remains one of the most beloved tracks among both drivers and fans worldwide. It holds special significance for local supporters, as the legendary three-time world champion Ayrton Senna, born in Sao Paulo, achieved two emotional victories here in 1991 and 1993.

Some incredible and championship-deciding races have been witnessed at this iconic Brazilian venue. During the mid-2000s, when the Brazilian Grand Prix was often the penultimate or final race of the F1 calendar, several drivers secured their titles at Interlagos — from Fernando Alonso in 2005 and 2006, to the dramatic three-way fight in 2007 that Kimi Raikkonen won by a single point, and the unforgettable 2008 race where Lewis Hamilton clinched the first of his seven world championships. Brazil has never lacked excitement.

Although this year’s race won’t decide the title, the upcoming weekend’s event in Brazil promises to be highly entertaining — and crucial — for a championship nearing its climax. The leading trio takes center stage: Norris arrives full of confidence after his triumph in Mexico and taking the lead in the standings, while Piastri hopes that his recent struggles are finally behind him. Verstappen, on the other hand, knows how to win at Interlagos — he has three victories here, including last year’s remarkable comeback from 17th on the grid.

However, rain forecasted for the weekend could either spell trouble for some or serve as an opportunity for others — just as it did last year when Verstappen capitalized on the changing conditions. The unpredictable weather could once again bring extra drama and perhaps some surprising results, like last year’s double Alpine podium. And just like then, this weekend will also feature a Sprint race — another chance for valuable championship points.

SCHEDULE FOR THE SAO PAULO GRAND PRIX

Friday:

• Practice: 17:30–18:30
• Sprint Qualifying: 21:30–22:14

Saturday:

• Sprint: 17:00–18:00
• Qualifying: 21:00–22:00

Sunday:

• Race: 20:00 (71 laps)