Surprise Rain Hits Interlagos Ahead of Brazilian Grand Prix

Unexpected rain showers have descended on Interlagos, adding another layer of unpredictability to the São Paulo Grand Prix weekend. While a cyclone off Brazil's coast has threatened disruption, the main event remains to be seen, with earlier forecasts predicting a dry race.

Why it matters:

After a weekend of highly variable conditions, from dry practice to a damp sprint race, this late-arriving rain could dramatically impact tire strategies and race outcomes. Interlagos is notorious for delivering chaotic races under changeable weather, making this development particularly significant for championship contenders and midfield runners alike.

The details:

• Unpredictable Weekend: The weekend has been marked by a constant threat of rain. Friday's practice and sprint qualifying were dry, but Saturday saw a damp track for the sprint race, catching out drivers like Oscar Piastri and Nico Hulkenberg on wet kerbs.
• Original Forecast: Despite the earlier damp conditions, the latest weather reports for the main Grand Prix had largely predicted dry conditions.
• Current Situation: Against these forecasts, São Paulo experienced unexpected rain this morning, approximately five hours before the Grand Prix is set to begin.
• Track Drying Time: While there is still considerable time for the track to dry, any further rainfall could lead to a fully wet or mixed-condition race, forcing teams to adapt their strategies at the last minute.

What's next:

Teams will be closely monitoring the weather radar and track conditions in the run-up to the Grand Prix. This unexpected rain could lead to a scramble for optimal tire choices, potentially favoring teams with strong wet-weather setups or drivers who excel in tricky conditions. The Brazilian Grand Prix is already known for its drama, and this latest weather twist promises another thrilling installment.