2025 São Paulo Grand Prix: Thursday Press Conference Insights

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc shared his joy over his recent engagement and discussed Ferrari's neutral approach to the São Paulo Grand Prix, emphasizing perfect execution over past results. He acknowledged Mercedes' strength, especially for Las Vegas, in the Constructors' Championship battle where Ferrari is currently one point ahead. Pierre Gasly reflected on Interlagos' special memories, including his first podium in 2019, but noted Alpine's current performance struggles due to halted car development in favor of the 2026 project. Lance Stroll of Aston Martin admitted recent performance drops due to car challenges and other teams' upgrades, expressing a lack of comfort with this year's car. All drivers shared their thoughts on Interlagos, highlighting the passionate Brazilian fans and the circuit's unique flow, while discussing the impact of current car regulations on driver comfort.

Why it matters:

Leclerc's personal news adds a human touch to the high-stakes F1 world, while his candid assessment of Ferrari's championship prospects against Mercedes highlights the intense competition. Gasly's revelation about Alpine halting current car development for 2026 underscores the long-term strategic decisions teams make, often at the expense of immediate performance. Stroll's struggles with his car bring attention to driver comfort and its impact on performance, a critical factor in a sport where marginal gains are paramount.

The Details:

• Leclerc's Engagement: Charles Leclerc announced his engagement, receiving widespread congratulations from the F1 paddock, emphasizing his personal happiness amidst professional pressures.
• Ferrari's Interlagos Approach: Leclerc stated Ferrari will approach Interlagos 'neutral,' focusing on 'perfect execution' rather than previous positive results in Mexico and Austin, acknowledging unpredictable Brazilian weather.
• Constructors' Battle: Ferrari is one point ahead of Mercedes, with Leclerc expecting Mercedes to be 'very strong' in Las Vegas. He believes the battle will be 'very close' for the remaining races.
• Gasly's Interlagos History: Pierre Gasly holds special memories of Interlagos, including his first F1 podium in 2019 and a double podium with Esteban Ocon last year.
• Alpine's Development Strategy: Gasly revealed Alpine halted development on their current car months ago, focusing resources on the 2026 project, which he is 'very excited' about despite current performance setbacks.
• Stroll's Car Comfort: Lance Stroll admitted to not feeling 'comfortable' with this year's Aston Martin, citing car stiffness and weight as contributing factors to performance struggles.
• Driver Views on Current Regulations: Drivers expressed mixed feelings about the current F1 car regulations. Stroll is 'not the biggest fan,' citing stiffness, increased weight, and physical toll on drivers. Leclerc found the first year 'not enjoyable' due to bouncing but enjoyed the last three years as cars became 'faster.' Gasly echoed concerns about stiffness and 'porpoising' but acknowledged the 'incredible' speed in corners.

The Big Picture:

The press conference offered a snapshot of the human and strategic elements shaping the F1 season. From personal milestones to long-term team strategies and the ongoing debate over car design, it highlighted the multifaceted challenges and motivations for drivers and teams. The Constructors' Championship battle remains tight, adding an extra layer of tension as the season draws to a close, with every point vital.

What's Next:

The drivers anticipate an unpredictable São Paulo Grand Prix due to potential wet weather conditions, which could mix up the grid and create unexpected outcomes. The focus on the 2026 regulations is already strong for some teams, signaling a significant shift in priorities and hinting at a potentially reordered competitive landscape in the coming years. The ongoing fight for P2 in the Constructors' Championship will likely go down to the wire, with Las Vegas and Abu Dhabi being critical battlegrounds.

São Paulo Grand Prix: Rookie Perspectives

Gabriel Bortoleto (Kick Sauber) and Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) shared their anticipation for their first home Grand Prix in Brazil. Bortoleto, born near Interlagos, expressed excitement to drive in front of a home crowd and discussed the challenges of adapting to the large-scale F1 team environment as a rookie. Hadjar, while a fan of Senna, is keen to experience the historic track. Alex Albon (Williams) provided an experienced driver's perspective on adapting to new car regulations, emphasizing that while it's a reset, experience still offers an edge.

Why it matters:

The rookie perspectives offer a glimpse into the immense pressure and unique experiences of new drivers entering F1, especially at a home race. Their insights into adapting to complex team structures and the steep learning curve highlight the critical transition from junior categories to the pinnacle of motorsport. The discussions on new regulations also underscore how even experienced drivers face significant challenges, leveling the playing field to some extent.

The Details:

• Rookie Home Grand Prix: Gabriel Bortoleto (Kick Sauber) is making his home Grand Prix debut at Interlagos, a track he's only driven once before in a GT car four years ago. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) is also experiencing Interlagos for the first time as an F1 driver.
• Bortoleto's Adaptation: Bortoleto highlighted the biggest challenge of his rookie year as adapting to working with a team of 'more than a thousand people' compared to the smaller F2 teams.
• Hadjar's Performance Outlook: Hadjar expects Racing Bulls to be 'more confident' at Interlagos compared to recent races due to the track layout suiting their car better, despite ongoing kerb-riding issues.
• Constructors' Battle (Midfield): Hadjar acknowledged the 'momentum is definitely against us' for Racing Bulls but aims to retain P6 in the Constructors' Championship, not targeting P5 from Williams. Alex Albon (Williams) is 'a bit more optimistic' about finishing P5, though the team's focus is shifting to next year's car.
• Red Bull Driver Lineup: Hadjar confirmed Red Bull's driver lineup decision for next year will be made at season's end, a situation he is 'used to' throughout his career.
• Rookie Season Self-Assessment: Bortoleto and Hadjar both rated their rookie seasons positively, focusing on progress against teammates and overcoming initial challenges. Bortoleto named Hadjar and Ollie Bearman as strong rookies besides himself, while Hadjar praised all rookies for performing well against experienced teammates.
• Mattia Binotto's Leadership: Bortoleto praised Mattia Binotto as an 'incredible leader' and a strong motivator for the Audi F1 project, highlighting his close working relationship with Michael Schumacher.
• Wet Weather Preparation: All drivers discussed preparing for Interlagos' unpredictable wet weather, emphasizing studying wet weather data and being adaptable to changing conditions. Albon noted the track's 'rivers' and 'bumpy' nature in the wet, while Hadjar and Bortoleto highlighted the use of modern tools like lap-by-lap analysis.
• 2026 Car Regulations: Albon confirmed having driven the 2026 car on the simulator, stating it's a 'reset for everyone' but experience will still 'help get out of difficult situations a bit easier.' Hadjar acknowledged it would feel somewhat like a 'rookie year all over again' due to the significant changes.

What's Next:

For the rookies, Interlagos presents a unique challenge and opportunity to perform in front of an enthusiastic home crowd, potentially influencing their future career trajectories. The discussions around the 2026 regulations offer a glimpse into the significant changes awaiting F1, suggesting that even experienced drivers will face a steep learning curve, which could lead to a more level playing field for both seasoned veterans and emerging talents.