The 2025 F1 Brazilian GP will kick off the last leg of a season that has been a slow burner of sorts but is picking up the intensity as it is coming to an end. Heading to São Paulo with rain forecasted to make an appearance, the championship hangs in the balance with three drivers in contention.
We have Lando Norris leading the championship, followed by Oscar Piastri, who is just one point behind. Max Verstappen is currently 36 points behind the championship leader, and with four races left, it’s all to play for. As we get ready for the race with one of the more passionate crowds in the calendar, what can we expect? Let’s take a look.
#5 If it rains, Alpine could have a stronger weekend
Alpine is right at the back of the grid this season, and the team has given up on 2025 while it continues to focus on 2026. With that being said, if there is one set of conditions in which the car tends to work well, it’s the cooler, slippery conditions.
For the F1 Brazilian GP, there are reports of rain playing a role on all three days. If that is the case, then it won’t come as a surprise to see Alpine making a jump and potentially fighting for points.
#4 One of the rookies is going to impress
The F1 Brazilian GP is often a race where drivers make their mark for the first time. Be it Nico Hulkenberg’s first pole position or Max Verstappen’s stunning recovery drive in 2016, the track has always helped true talent shine bright. The current grid has multiple rookies that have been impressive at different stages of the season. Expect them to have a strong F1 Brazilian GP this weekend.
#3 Lewis Hamilton is the wildcard for a podium finish
Ferrari might not have the best car for the F1 Brazilian GP, especially since rain is expected to be a major factor this weekend. Throughout the 2026 season, Lewis Hamilton has been a step behind teammate Charles Leclerc both over a lap and race distance.
But if there is one set of conditions in which he’s had the legs on his teammate, it’s in the wet weather. This weekend, with rain expected to play a role and Lewis Hamilton racing in Brazil, if there is a place where stars could align, it’s got to be in the F1 Brazilian GP, as I predict a podium for the Dutch driver.
#2 Oscar Piastri will be back to his usual form
The spotlight will be on Oscar Piastri this weekend as he tries to get back to what was his usual form in a McLaren. The last two races have been a complete disaster for him, as they have seen him be further behind Lando Norris than what was normally the case.
For the F1 Brazilian GP, we’re backing the Australian to once again get back to his usual form. The struggles were arguably partly because of the conditions in both Austin and Mexico, and he shouldn’t face something similar here.
Whether he beats Lando Norris or not is a different thing, but expect Piastri to once again be competitive against his McLaren teammate.
#1 Max Verstappen wins the F1 Brazilian GP
If it rains, it might not be the best thing for Red Bull and Max Verstappen because what we’ve seen this season is that the wet weather tends to accentuate McLaren’s key advantage of keeping the tire at its optimum temperature.
With that being said, there’s more to a wet race than just performance, as a lot of it comes down to strategy and making the right calls at the right time. This is where a team like Red Bull and a driver like Max Verstappen make a difference. And this is precisely why we’re picking the Dutch driver to win the F1 Brazilian GP.
Edited by Charanjot Singh Kohli
