F1 next heads to Sao Paulo as Interlagos hosts round 21 of the 2025 season - and the fifth sprint weekend of the year.
Lando Norris executed a supreme weekend last time out in Mexico City, winning from pole and in doing so claiming the lead of the world championship from McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri. That being said, the lead is just one point.
Max Verstappen recovered from a poor qualifying to finish on the podium in Mexico and the Red Bull driver, chasing an improbable fifth consecutive title, only trails Norris by 36 points with four races to go. The Dutchman won from 17th on the grid last year in Brazil, effectively securing his fourth championship.
Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc finished second for Ferrari in Mexico, while Lewis Hamilton could only finish eighth after receiving a penalty. The 40-year-old Briton only has four grands prix remaining to record a podium for Ferrari.
Follow live coverage of the Brazilian Grand Prix
F1 BRAZILIAN GRAND PRIX - LATEST UPDATES
- The sprint race in Brazil starts at 2pm (GMT); qualifying is at 6pm
- Lando Norris on pole for the sprint; Antonelli 2nd; Piastri 3rd
- Heavy rain expected for the sprint on Saturday
- Lando Norris leads the world championship by one point to Oscar Piastri
- PREVIEW: Brazil GP revives haunting 2007 McLaren collapse – but they won’t change approach now
What time is the sprint race?
19:43 , Kieran JacksonThe sprint race in Brazil is scheduled to start at 2pm (GMT) on Saturday.
Qualifying later in the day is at 6pm.
F1 weather forecast: Massive cyclone warning issued for Brazil GP
23:48 , Kieran JacksonOn Saturday, an ‘orange alert’ weather warning has been issued for the Sao Paulo region - indicating an extratropical cyclone - with rain in the region of 60mm/h, alongside intense winds of 60km/h.
There is extremely heavy rain on the forecast, with the sprint race at 11am local time (2pm GMT) showing a “high chance” of showers, up to level 3/4.
For context, level 4 is the highest level of rain on the weather system of F1’s governing body. The FIA has issued an 80% chance of rain on Saturday morning.
For qualifying at 3pm local time (6pm GMT), the chance of rain decreases to 40%, though the weather is known to change rapidly around the Interlagos circuit.
Sky Sports F1 forced into late presenter change for Brazilian Grand Prix
11:00 , Kieran JacksonCraig Slater will present Sky Sports’s coverage of the Brazilian Grand Prix after Natalie Pinkham was forced to pull out of fronting this weekend’s action.
Pinkham was scheduled to present this weekend’s race in Sao Paulo but was unable to travel as she continues her recovery from neck surgery.
The 48-year-old most recently led the coverage at Monza in September but revealed on Thursday that she is not ready to return to work yet.
More below:
Sky Sports F1 forced into late presenter change for Brazilian Grand Prix
Meet the British racing driver thriving – and winning – at Ferrari
10:00 , Kieran JacksonInterview by Kieran Jackson
Whilst a Formula One season of undeniable disappointment for Ferrari draws to a chastening close, fans of the Italian marque’s motorsport conquests should perhaps cast their eye beyond the Brazilian Grand Prix paddock for their winning fix this weekend.
Because some 7,000 miles east of Sao Paulo in Bahrain, Ferrari’s hypercar outfit is on the verge of claiming a maiden triumph in the World Endurance Championship (WEC). With just one round remaining and a 13-point lead, the three-pronged team can claim a first hypercar drivers’ title victory. Better still, as Lewis Hamilton toils in search of a first podium in scarlet red, it is in fact a British driver heading up their quest for endurance glory.
Full interview below:
Meet the British racing driver thriving – and winning – at Ferrari
F1 constructor standings heading into the final four rounds:
09:00 , Kieran Jackson1. McLaren - 713 points (champions)
2. Ferrari - 356 points
3. Mercedes - 355 points
4. Red Bull - 346 points
5. Williams - 111 points
6. Racing Bulls - 72 points
7. Aston Martin - 69 points
8. Haas - 62 points
9. Sauber - 60 points
10. Alpine - 20 points
Heineken issues first-ever F1 ‘season ticket’ to British fan who’s attended every race on £20k budget
08:00 , Kieran JacksonFormula One and Heineken have issued a first-ever ‘season ticket’ to a British fan who’s committed to attending all 24 races this season on a £20,000 budget.
F1 super fan Brandon Burgess lives in London and has so far attended all 20 races in the 2025 season, using just 28 days of annual leave while maintaining a full-time job at a tech company.
Burgess’s commitment has not gone unnoticed and F1 partner Heineken has issued a season ticket – giving a fan and their guest access to all 24 grands prix in 2026 with travel and accommodation covered – to the 29-year-old. Another season ticket will be up for grabs next year.
Full story below:
F1 issues first-ever ‘season ticket’ to fan who’s attended every race on £20k budget
Max Verstappen feeling ‘no pressure’ despite ‘remarkable’ Formula One title push
07:00 , Kieran JacksonRed Bull’s Verstappen, returning to the scene of his stunning wet-weather victory last year which saw off Norris’ title bid, said: “For me, there is no pressure.
“Even if I don’t win it, I still know that I drove a really good season and I can happily say that to try and replicate the season that I have done, most people on the grid would find that very tough.
“So, you just need to be realistic with the chances we have had throughout the season and to still be talking about being in this fight is already remarkable in the first place.
“For sure, it has to do with the turnaround of the team, they nave gave up and that is a strength of a team.
“Nevertheless, at one point when you are over 100 points behind, and we are still talking about being in this fight, that is very impressive.”
Start times in Brazil this weekend:
06:00 , Kieran JacksonAll times GMT
Saturday 8 November
- Sprint race: 2pm
- Qualifying: 6pm
Sunday 9 November
- Race: 5pm
George Russell, who qualified P4:
05:00 , Kieran Jackson“P2 and P4 are good positions for us to be starting from tomorrow. We had strong pace across the whole of Sprint Qualifying and the car balance felt good.
“That is encouraging for us given how close the fight for P2 in the Constructor's Championship is. Hopefully we can carry that speed and momentum into the rest of the weekend. The weather forecast for tomorrow shows that we may have rain on the way.
“Even if that is the case, I am confident that we will have the car underneath us to fight with our rivals and to score important points in the Sprint. From there, it is onwards to Qualifying where we will be aiming for a similar performance as we've put together today.”
Carlos Sainz after qualifying dead-last:
23:59 , Kieran Jackson“We simply didn’t do a good Sprint qualifying today. My first run was messy with traffic and getting the tyres up to temperature but the second run we made our life more difficult and almost didn’t get two laps in.
“Ultimately, I finish this session not knowing the limit or performance of the car, so it’s not ideal. Looking at FP1, I know there was more in it, so we’ll learn from today and hopefully execute a better session tomorrow.”
Full starting grid:
23:00 , Kieran Jackson1. Lando Norris - McLaren
2. Kimi Antonelli - Mercedes
3. Oscar Piastri - McLaren
4. George Russell - Mercedes
5. Fernando Alonso - Aston Martin
6. Max Verstappen - Red Bull
7. Lance Stroll - Aston Martin
8. Charles Leclerc - Ferrari
9. Isack Hadjar - Racing Bulls
10. Nico Hulkenberg - Sauber
11. Lewis Hamilton - Ferrari
12. Alex Albon - Williams
13. Pierre Gasly - Alpine
14. Gabriel Bortoleto - Sauber
15. Ollie Bearman - Haas
16. Franco Colapinto - Alpine
17. Liam Lawson - Racing Bulls
18. Yuki Tsunoda - Red Bull
19. Esteban Ocon - Haas
20. Carlos Sainz - Williams
Lewis Hamilton after qualifying P11:
22:00 , Kieran Jackson"It's not for the lack of trying. The team thought we were a lot faster than we are. Gave it everything and that's ultimately... we're just not quick enough."
On Ferrari progress: "It's hard to say that when you're out in Q2. We're working hard, so there's not much more I can do.
"It is what it is."
Sprint qualifying report: Lando Norris secures sprint race pole ahead of incoming storm in Sao Paulo
21:00 , Kieran JacksonLando Norris delivered under intense pressure to take pole position for the sprint race at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix - with a heavy rainstorm on the forecast for Saturday.
Norris, who reclaimed the F1 world championship lead with a statement win in Mexico a fortnight ago, will have a golden opportunity to further extend his advantage with both of his title rivals behind him on the grid for Saturday’s 24-lap dash to the chequered flag in Interlagos.
Lando Norris secures sprint race pole ahead of incoming storm in Sao Paulo
Max Verstappen after coming home P6:
20:30 , Kieran Jackson"A lot of vibration in the car, a lot of ride problems," said Verstappen. "Not what we want but beside that, we just don't also have the grip. The middle sector is terrible.
"Just can't get the car to turn but at the same time, I can't really rely on the rears. For us, quite poor, I would say. But it is what it is."
Kimi Antonelli on his P2:
20:01 , Kieran Jackson"It was a good session overall but I think FP1 was a bit scrappy, a bit difficult with traffic but then we got into our rhythm," said Antonelli.
"The soft lap was a bit of a shame during the second to last second but still decent lap. P2 for tomorrow so a lot to fight for.
"We're going to have to take care of the wind, so tomorrow we are going to expect quite different conditions compared to today. Also the [tyre] wear is going to be a bit uncertain but we'll try to be ready for anything and hopefully we can do a good race."
Top-10 in sprint qualifying
19:35 , Kieran Jackson1. Lando Norris - McLaren
2. Kimi Antonelli - Mercedes
3. Oscar Piastri - McLaren
4. George Russell - Mercedes
5. Fernando Alonso - Aston Martin
6. Max Verstappen - Red Bull
7. Lance Stroll - Aston Martin
8. Charles Leclerc - Ferrari
9. Isack Hadjar - Racing Bulls
10. Nico Hulkenberg - Sauber
Lando Norris after securing sprint pole:
19:24 , Kieran Jackson“It was tougher than I would’ve liked, close between a lot of cars, but we did the job we needed to do which was to be fastest today. Trickier than Mexico, but great result.
“Quali around here is difficult, bumpy, tricky. Always a joy, a good day today, but it’s still a long weekend. A good start.”
On Saturday and rain: “We’ll wait and see, it’s meant to rain and be incredibly windy. No point worrying about things, happy with today.”
Lando Norris on pole position!
19:17 , Kieran JacksonNorris goes quicker and secures P1 by 0.097 seconds to Kimi Antonelli in second! Another terrific quali lap from the Brit!
Oscar Piastri gets up to third, but Max Verstappen shakes his head as he crosses the line for only sixth!
3-10: Piastri, Russell, Alonso, Verstappen, Stroll, Leclerc, Hadjar, Hulkenberg
Another sublime afternoon for Lando Norris that!
Norris on provisional pole
19:11 , Kieran JacksonImpressive stuff from Lando!
While Piastri slides at turn 1 and can only go P4, Norris is quickest with a 1:09:271 - 0.069 seconds faster than Kimi Antonelli in second!
3-5: Russell, Piastri, Leclerc
Verstappen is only going to set one lap... right at the end!
SQ3 underway
19:09 , Kieran JacksonHere we go then - eight minutes and they’re all on softs!
10 drivers involved: Norris, Antonelli, Russell, Piastri, Leclerc, Alonso, Hadjar, Stroll, Verstappen, Hulkenberg
More bad news for Hamilton
19:06 , Kieran JacksonHe has been noted for a yellow flag infringement.
Did he accelerate past his stricken Ferrari teammate at the end of SQ2?
Hamilton may well be in trouble with the stewards again...
Hamilton on P11 exit:
19:05 , Kieran JacksonHamilton: “Yeah every time mate.”
Meanwhile, Verstappen: “The car is completely broken, it’s undrivable.”
Unideal for Verstappen going into SQ3....
Lewis Hamilton doesn't make the line
19:01 , Kieran JacksonAh jeez, what a nightmare!
Hamilton is out of sprint qualifying - he didn’t make it to the line and couldn’t even set another lap!
Bottom-five (11-15) and out in SQ2: Hamilton, Albon, Gasly, Bortoleto, Bearman
Hulkenberg makes it in P10. Leclerc spun in sector three, impacting all the second runs.
Top-3: Alonso, Norris, Russell
Hamilton in bottom-five
18:57 , Kieran JacksonStill not great for Ferrari - Hamilton is down in P11!
Current bottom-five (11-15): Hamilton, Albon, Gasly, Bearman, Bortoleto
Leclerc is not safe either in P8.... 3:00 left in SQ2.
SQ2 underway!
18:49 , Kieran JacksonTen minutes this time as we discover who will make the top-10 shootout.
Again, medium tyres are the mandatory tyre of use.
Carlos Sainz on team radio after his elimination:
18:47 , Kieran Jackson“This is the worst execution I’ve seen in my life.”
Whether he’s talking about himself or the team, I’m not too sure...
Tsunoda out in SQ1
18:44 , Kieran JacksonJust no pace for the Japanese driver - he’s only able to qualify in P18! And Carlos Sainz is out in last!
Bottom-five (16-20) and out in SQ1: Colapinto, Lawson, Tsunoda, Ocon, Sainz
Antonelli is the man who escapes in 15th.
Top-3: Norris, Verstappen, Alonso
Tsunoda heading out
18:41 , Kieran JacksonThe Red Bull driver really needs a good lap here - he’s half-a-second off safety right now!
Bottom-five (16-20): Albon, Ocon, Colaptino, Sainz, Tsunoda
Bearman on the edge in P15, with 2 minutes to go.
Verstappen goes fastest
18:38 , Kieran JacksonEarly statement from the Dutchman, who goes top with a 1:10:107 - 0.179 secs ahead of Piastri.
Every driver has now set a lap.
Current bottom-five (16-20): Albon, Ocon, Colapinto, Sainz, Tsunoda
4:00 to go in SQ1...
Ferrari struggling early on
18:36 , Kieran JacksonFew first flying laps set and Leclerc and Hamilton are way off the pace, down in seventh and ninth.
Piastri top, Norris second by 0.025 secs! Verstappen yet to set a lap...
8:00 to go in SQ1.
Sprint qualifying underway:
18:31 , Kieran JacksonHere we go then - we’re underway with SQ1!
The session format? Just 12 minutes, and mandatory medium tyres. We’ll lose the bottom-five.
This could well be chaotic!
Max Verstappen ahead of sprint qualifying:
18:27 , Kieran Jackson“It’s always a bit more hectic [with sprint], bit windier now. Tomorrow is probably the bigger concern [with weather].
F1 sprint qualifying
18:25 , Kieran JacksonSo, first competitive session of the weekend will set the grid for tomorrow’s sprint race in Sao Paulo.
Lando Norris was quickest in practice, a smidge ahead of Oscar Piastri - can Max Verstappen get involved in the pole-position conversation this evening?
PREVIEW: Brazil GP revives haunting 2007 McLaren collapse – but they won’t change approach now
18:15 , Kieran JacksonMore so than any of the three drivers battling for this year’s unpredictable Formula 1 world championship, McLaren team principal Andrea Stella knows all too well the thrill and peril of a three-horse title race, as well as the seismic role Interlagos can play in deciding the eventual champion.
Eighteen years ago, the Italian boffin turned team boss was Kimi Raikkonen’s performance engineer at Ferrari in the 2007 season. Heading into the finale in Brazil, Lewis Hamilton (in his rookie year) had a four-point lead over arch-rival and McLaren teammate Fernando Alonso, with Raikkonen seven points off the pace.
Full piece below:
Brazil GP revives haunting 2007 McLaren collapse – but they won’t change approach now
Top-10 in F1 driver standings heading into Brazil:
18:00 , Kieran JacksonNorris’ lead is just one point over Piastri, while Verstappen is 36 points off the top.
1. Lando Norris (McLaren) – 357 points
2. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 356 points
3. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 321 points
4. George Russell (Mercedes) – 258 points
5. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 210 points
6. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – 146 points
7. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – 97 points
8. Alex Albon (Williams) – 73 points
9. Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber) - 41 points
10. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) – 39 points
Colapinto reacts to 2026 drive:
17:45 , Kieran Jackson“I am very grateful to Flavio and the entire team for their belief in me to help drive the team forwards in the future.
“Ever since I made my Formula One debut, I knew, given the circumstances at play, it would be a huge challenge to keep my place in this sport. It has been a long and tough road, and I am very proud for the opportunity to drive with this team again in 2026, alongside Pierre, who has been a great team-mate and will undoubtedly be someone I can continue to learn from.
“Finally, it is very special and timely to make this announcement here in Brazil this weekend. Being so close to my home country of Argentina and an event that feels like a home race for me where I have so much support.
“To have so many fans on this journey with me and the team is why we go racing and next year, when there should be a reset in Formula One, we can hopefully give every single person who cheers for us something to truly smile and celebrate. Vamos Alpine!”
Lando Norris on fighting for an F1 world championship
16:30 , Kieran Jackson“When you get reminded about it, because my friends or people you bump into talk about it, it is a cool thought to think I am fighting for an F1 world championship,” said Norris, who for his part fell 34 points adrift of Piastri when his engine expired in the Netherlands.
“Being in a position to do that is part of my dream. And it still feels incredible, but in terms of achieving the actual dream, it doesn’t feel any different.
“Nothing is completed, nothing is done, there are still more than 100 points available so it doesn’t mean anything. I need to win this weekend, next weekend and the all the final races and that’s my goal.
“But when I have a weekend like last weekend, I can prove to myself that I can dominate, and that is a nice thought because it is nice to prove to myself what I am capable of and what I can achieve. It was a small achievement of a bigger puzzle.
“There is a much bigger picture in mind. You smile for a day and then move on.”
What time is sprint qualifying?
15:59 , Kieran JacksonSprint qualifying on Friday at Interlagos is at 6:30pm (GMT).
Top-10 in FP1
15:53 , Kieran Jackson1. Lando Norris - McLaren
2. Oscar Piastri - McLaren
3. Nico Hulkenberg - Sauber
4. Fernando Alonso - Aston Martin
5. Gabriel Bortoleto - Sauber
6. George Russell - Mercedes
7. Pierre Gasly - Alpine
8. Carlos Sainz - Williams
9. Isack Hadjar - Racing Bulls
10. Kimi Antonelli - Mercedes
Lando Norris quickest in first practice
15:45 , Kieran JacksonRight at the end, Norris goes quicker than his teammate by 0.023 seconds!
McLaren in a league of their own in that session. Hulkenberg secures an impressive third for Sauber, with Fernando Alonso fourth and Bortoleto fifth.
6-10: Russell, Gasly, Sainz, Hadjar, Antonelli
Verstappen down in P17 but, again, he saved his medium tyres, as did Leclerc and Hamilton.
Nico Hulkenberg goes P3
15:34 , Kieran JacksonInteresting. Hulkenberg up to P3, but Verstappen has opted to save some medium tyres and, alongside Leclerc and Hamilton, is not bothered about setting a competitive time at the end!
Final laps coming in now...
McLaren one-two
15:28 , Kieran JacksonThey’re actually all on mediums, and Piastri goes top - two-tenths quicker than Norris.
First round to the Australian?
10 minutes to go in FP1.
Drivers getting ready for qualifying simulation runs
15:20 , Kieran JacksonNearly every car is now in the pits as they prepare to put on the soft tyres and go for their qualifying simulation runs.
15:00 left in FP1...
Verstappen slides off track
15:15 , Kieran JacksonThe Dutchman with an unusual moment off-track at turn 4, but he’s able to continue.
Russell is then squeezed behind the Red Bull but, seemingly, no angry radio messages.
TOP-10 AFTER 30 MINS IN FP1:
15:10 , Kieran Jackson1. Russell
2. Verstappen
3. Piastri
4. Sainz
5. Leclerc
6. Hamilton
7. Gasly
8. Lawson
9. Antonelli
10. Norris
All on hards so far - no soft tyre runs as of yet.
Hadjar and Piastri almost clash
15:05 , Kieran JacksonThe rookie Frenchman forced into evasive action with Piastri unaware of the Racing Bull approaching behind him, swerving to the left off-track.
Hadjar: “Is Piastri blind or what?”
Carlos Sainz up to P3
15:00 , Kieran JacksonThe Williams driver, absent from media day on Thursday due to illness, back ready and firing, landing in P3 early on - two-tenths off Russell’s leading time.
Verstappen closes the gap in second to 0.180 seconds.
4-10: Leclerc, Hamilton, Gasly, Lawson, Piastri, Antonelli, Norris
VIDEO: Tsunoda's early error
14:56 , Kieran JacksonNot how Yuki wanted to start the only practice session of the weekend 😬 pic.twitter.com/1rdFTCl7gn
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) November 7, 2025
George Russell quickest early on
14:50 , Kieran JacksonThe Mercedes driver on top after 15 minutes with a 1:11:188 - four-tenths quicker than Oscar Piastri in second. Max Verstappen is a tenth back in third, with Lando Norris in fourth.
Even this early on, it’s tight.
All the drivers on hard tyres early on, as they look to test all three tyres during the session.
Tsunoda slides off at turn 4
14:43 , Kieran JacksonThe Red Bull driver loses control and collides with the tyre barrier, but he’s able to continue.
Worth saying - it could well be the Japanese driver’s final four races in F1. He needs a strong weekend.
FP1 underway
14:35 , Kieran JacksonA long queue at the end of the pit-lane with the drivers eager to get going as the light goes green!
One hour of practice then before the cut-and-thrust of sprint qualifying later on...
FP1 DELAYED
14:31 , Kieran JacksonUnideal.
Practice has been delayed due to “general track cleaning”... they’ve only had a year to prepare!
The FIA announce it will start at 2:35pm (GMT).
FP1 coming up!
14:28 , Kieran JacksonBig hour of opening action than at Interlagos, the fourth-shortest circuit on the calendar.
Given it’s a sprint weekend, it’s just one hour of practice. Who will make the first statement?
Briatore reacts:
14:01 , Kieran Jackson“I've been following Franco's progress throughout his time in Formula One and I have always believed that he has the right attributes and potential to be a top driver who can grow with the team.
“Our decision to continue together for 2026 is a clear indication of our commitment and strong support for Franco as he develops as a race driver. It has been a tough year for the whole team, and it hasn't been the easiest scenario to perform in, however both Franco and Pierre have done their best to help put the team in the best possible position for next season.
“With the line-up of Pierre and Franco, we have a good blend of experience, speed and talent that will help drive the team forward and hopefully give our fans something to cheer and shout about next season.”
BREAKING: Alpine sign up Colapinto for 2026 season
13:47 , Kieran JacksonAlpine have opted to stick with Franco Colapinto for the 2026 F1 season despite the Argentine failing to register a point in 14 races this year.
The 22-year-old, signed by Alpine this year after an impressive debut stint at Williams in 2024, has beaten Estonian reserve driver Paul Aron to the race to be Pierre Gasly’s teammate at the Enstone-based team next year.
It is believed Jack Doohan, the Australian rookie dropped after just six races this year, was not in contention.
F1 Brazilian Grand Prix
12:47 , Kieran JacksonF1 next heads to Sao Paulo as Interlagos hosts round 21 of the 2025 season - and the fifth sprint weekend of the year.
Lando Norris executed a supreme weekend last time out in Mexico City, winning from pole and in doing so claiming the lead of the world championship from McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri. That being said, the lead is just one point.
Max Verstappen recovered from a poor qualifying to finish on the podium in Mexico and the Red Bull driver, chasing an improbable fifth consecutive title, only trails Norris by 36 points with four races to go. The Dutchman won from 17th on the grid last year in Brazil, effectively securing his fourth championship.
Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc finished second for Ferrari in Mexico, while Lewis Hamilton could only finish eighth after receiving a penalty. The 40-year-old Briton only has four grands prix remaining to record a podium for Ferrari.