The Sao Paulo Grand Prix is set for a dramatic showdown with a mixed-up grid and rain forecast. Lando Norris starts on pole alongside new champion Kimi Antonelli, but attention turns to Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, who start from the back due to power unit changes. Charles Leclerc also faces a penalty, starting 14th.
Mercedes' George Russell starts seventh after a five-place grid penalty. Team principal Toto Wolff sees it as a reverse grid race, aiming to secure Constructors' Championship points. Verstappen, who won from 17th in 2024, expects harder overtaking this time due to reduced Overtake Mode effectiveness.
Hamilton, who went from 20th to fifth in the 2021 Sprint, lacks the car advantage of that year as Ferrari struggles. The race lights out at 5pm Sunday, live on Sky Sports F1.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing