After two free practice sessions in dry conditions, qualifying for the 2026 Brazilian Formula 1 Grand Prix in São Paulo took place in the rain, turning chaotic and full of interruptions. Now comes the most anticipated and important day of the weekend, marking the twentieth and penultimate round of the Formula 1 World Championship. From the Autodromo José Carlos Pace in Interlagos, everything is ready for the São Paulo Brazilian Grand Prix, scheduled for Sunday, 8 November. This weekend is especially significant for Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who appears on track for the first time as world champion following his title win in Mexico. Furthermore, the race takes place at the home circuit of his idol, Ayrton Senna, to whom he has dedicated a special helmet. The Bologna-born Mercedes driver will try to achieve his tenth win of the season at Interlagos.
However, many protagonists of the 2026 season will start from penalised positions due to the replacement of various engine components. George Russell, Antonelli’s teammate, will have five places removed from the grid, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc will be penalised ten places. Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen will start from the back of the grid. Despite the difficult conditions with Brazilian rain, former world champion Lando Norris managed to secure pole position, being the quickest in qualifying for the fourth time in 2026. The McLaren Briton was faster in wet conditions than both Mercedes cars, with Russell in second and Antonelli in third. Thus, Kimi will join Norris on the front row, while his teammate Russell will start from seventh place due to the penalty.
Significant gaps were recorded for all other drivers, starting with Leclerc’s Ferrari, who set the fourth-fastest time in the rain. However, the Monegasque driver, due to the engine change penalty, will have to start from 14th place. Ahead of him there will be some surprises, such as Liam Lawson of Racing Bulls and Nico Hülkenberg of Audi, who will start from the second row. They will be followed by Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) and Oliver Bearman (Haas) on the third row. Alongside Russell, on the fourth row will be Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso. Alex Albon (Williams) and Oscar Piastri (McLaren) will start from the fifth row. Meanwhile, Hamilton will be in 20th place and Verstappen in 21st, both penalised for engine changes and with poor qualifying performances.
Verstappen, Hamilton, Russell and Leclerc are separated by just 14 points, and all are still in contention for second place in the drivers’ championship, while Mercedes could win the constructors’ title in Brazil. The Sunday race, covering 71 laps, where rain may fall again, will start at 18:00 Italian time. Live coverage of the MSC Cruises Sao Paulo Grand Prix 2026 will be on Sky Sport F1 and streaming on Now at 18:00, while the delayed broadcast will be on TV8 at 21:30.
The Interlagos circuit, also known as Autodromo José Carlos Pace, is a permanent track near São Paulo, Brazil, inaugurated in 1940 and part of the F1 calendar since 1973, with one interruption and return in 1990. Since 2021, it has been known as the São Paulo Grand Prix. The track, 4,309 metres long with 15 corners (10 left, 5 right) and anticlockwise direction, lies between two artificial lakes and is known for its elevation changes. The current configuration has been in use since 1999. The main overtaking points are on the long straights, as well as braking into Esse do Senna and Reta Oposta. The forecast for Sunday predicts lower temperatures and intermittent rain.
In Interlagos’ history, Michael Schumacher holds the record with four wins. Other notable victories were recorded by Giancarlo Fisichella (2003) and Ayrton Senna (1991, 1993). This circuit has been decisive for championship titles, such as those of Fernando Alonso (2005, 2006), Kimi Räikkönen (2007), Lewis Hamilton (2008) and Sebastian Vettel (2012). Among active drivers, Hamilton and Max Verstappen have three wins each. Hamilton won with Mercedes in 2016, 2018 and 2021, while Verstappen won with Red Bull in 2019, 2023 and 2024. The most recent winners include Vettel (2017), Russell (2022) and Norris (2025).
Source: La Gazzetta dello Sport