Rain promises to be a decisive factor once again in the São Paulo Formula 1 GP, which takes place this weekend in Interlagos. The unstable weather is already worrying drivers and teams, especially as there is a high possibility of a wet track on Saturday — and a considerable chance of precipitation on Sunday as well.
With the history of chaotic races on São Paulo soil, eyes turn to who can benefit from the scenario. Between 2015 and 2025, 27 Formula 1 stages were influenced by rain, and the numbers show that two names continue to dominate when the asphalt becomes slippery: Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.
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What is the weather forecast for the São Paulo GP 2025?
On Friday, November 7th, the sky will be predominantly cloudy, with highs around 28°C and lows close to 20°C. There are storm warnings for part of the São Paulo metropolitan region, with the possibility of heavy rain and intense winds.
Saturday, the 8th, will be the day to pay the most attention when it comes to the weather: the forecast points to occasional rain and even storms, with a maximum estimated at around 26°C and a minimum around 14°C. The track may be wet for a large part of the schedule (sprint and/or qualifying for the main race).
On the day of the main race, the forecast indicates an improvement, with predominantly cloudy skies, a maximum of 22 °C and a minimum of around 13 °C. Even so, rain is not completely ruled out.
Drivers with a more dominant record in the rain
Since 2015, Lewis Hamilton has won 11 races held during rain, while Max Verstappen has triumphed in nine. The two share the spotlight in these conditions and accumulate remarkable and interesting achievements in Interlagos.
In 2016, the Briton took victory with Mercedes in a race full of incidents, and young Verstappen caught the eye by finishing third.
Eight years later, in 2024, the Dutchman returned to the top by winning the São Paulo GP starting in 17th, a result he classified as “the best victory of his career”.
Ten of Hamilton’s eleven victories in the rain took place until 2021, a period in which Mercedes dominated the category. Verstappen has won eight of nine wet track victories in 2021 so far.
McLaren performance in the rain
Although Verstappen and Hamilton remain references, McLaren emerges as the big surprise of 2025 when the asphalt is wet. The team has won all three wet races this season: Australia, England and Belgium.
On Australian territory, Lando Norris won after a race full of errors and position changes, with a precise strategy in moments of greatest instability.
At Silverstone, the Brit took advantage of a mistake by Verstappen after a safety car and secured another triumph.
In Spa, Oscar Piastri came out on top after a long interruption of more than an hour caused by rain.
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São Paulo GP: schedule and where to watch
Friday, November 7th
- Free training: 11:30 am (Brasília time) – Broadcast: Bandsports, F1TV
- Sprint classification: 3:30 pm (Brasília time) – Broadcast: Bandsports, F1TV
Saturday, November 8th
- Sprint: 11am (Brasília time) – Broadcast: Band, Bandsports, F1TV
- Classification for main race: 3pm (Brasília time) – Broadcast: Band, Bandsports, F1TV
Sunday, November 9th
- Race: 2pm (Brasília time) – Broadcast: Band, F1TV
MORE: Click here to watch F1TV
