Rainy Conditions May Give Verstappen an Edge in Brazil

Rain is expected to once again influence the race weekend at Interlagos, a scenario that historically favors Max Verstappen. The four-time world champion has an unparalleled record in Brazil, especially in wet conditions.

Why it matters:

Max Verstappen's exceptional skill in wet weather has consistently allowed him to overcome significant disadvantages, turning challenging races into legendary victories. With rain forecasted for Interlagos, his ability to perform under pressure could be a decisive factor, potentially altering the championship narrative in a season where McLaren has shown strong performance.

The details:

• Verstappen's Brazilian Dominance: Verstappen has secured three victories at Interlagos, including consecutive wins in 2023 and 2024. Many of his most memorable performances, often achieved in torrential rain, have taken place on this track.
• Legendary Wet Weather Drives: In 2016, a young Verstappen, in his first year with Red Bull, showcased his extraordinary wet-weather sensitivity with a daring overtake on Nico Rosberg. Last year, he mounted a sensational comeback from seventeenth on the grid to secure a podium finish, defying expectations even with a less dominant car.
• McLaren's Recent Surge: McLaren, particularly with Lando Norris's commanding win in Mexico, has demonstrated strong performance, finishing 30 seconds ahead of the runner-up. This suggests McLaren might have a performance advantage over Red Bull on a dry track in Brazil.
• Pressure on Rivals: With the title fight intensifying and only four races remaining, the pressure is squarely on Norris and Piastri. In tricky, wet conditions, this pressure could lead to mistakes, whereas Verstappen, having nothing to lose, can afford to take calculated risks.

The big picture:

Interlagos has always been a track where driver skill can often outweigh car performance, especially in unpredictable weather. Verstappen's history here underscores this, making him a formidable opponent even when his car might not be the fastest on paper. The return of the sprint format also adds another layer of complexity, where Verstappen has recently excelled, as seen in Austin.

What's next:

The forecast rain and the return of the sprint format at Interlagos set the stage for a potentially dramatic weekend. If the rain materializes, the race could mirror last year's script, with Verstappen once again proving that his exceptional wet-weather driving can be the ultimate equalizer against even the strongest competitors. All eyes will be on how he manages the challenging conditions and whether McLaren can maintain their recent momentum under pressure.