Rain has always played a trivial role at the Brazilian GP every year. This year is no different. With the grid being as unpredictable as ever, there is a lot of rain expected this weekend and it could shake things up to be even more unpredictable.
As Interlagos is a windy track, the weather plays an important part in the race. Tyre management and strategies need to be planned and executed accordingly. Some drivers are natural racers in the rain while others struggle to stay on the track. The current forecast leaves much to our imaginations as the weather is shaping up to be interesting
Sao Paulo to provide another thrilling race with rain predicted
Over the course of the weekend, the chances of rain grow bigger and bigger. Formula 1 is reporting that the Saturday sessions have a 40% chance of precipitation and Sunday’s being 60%. At last year’s race, heavy rain stopped qualifying early with reigning champion Max Verstappen taking pole.
The weather is about to create some chaos as rain is predicted during both races this weekend!#F1 #BrazilGP pic.twitter.com/eYDs5juNq7
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) October 31, 2024
The 2023 Brazilian GP had only 14 classified finishers with the bottom 5 (10-14) at least 1 lap down. The race was red-flagged after several crashes and debris. Interlagos already promises to be a good show based on the track layout alone but add the chances of rain in there and we might see even fewer finishers this year. With the driving we have seen lately, expect to see more drivers being pushed off track due to slippery conditions.
Who will thrive in extreme conditions at the Brazilian GP?
On the current grid, Lewis Hamilton is the driver that has dominated the most at Interlagos. He has three wins and three poles. Max Verstappen trails him with two wins and poles. Hamilton and Verstappen have both proven themselves to be great racers in the rain. Drivers who have grown up in rainy areas have learned to drive in wet conditions their entire lives.
Lewis at Interlagos in 2021, you will always be famous 🇧🇷
Hamilton made 24 overtakes across the Sprint and Grand Prix as he powered through the field, taking the win on Sunday 🥇#F1 #BrazilGP pic.twitter.com/NGmGvyUB0Q
— Formula 1 (@F1) October 30, 2024
Lando Norris, who grew up in Great Britain like Hamilton, has also begun to gain attention for his rainy driving techniques at the 2023 Monaco Grand Prix and the 2024 British Grand Prix. However, with the previous two races featuring head-to-head battles between Verstappen and Norris – the weather could be race-ending for the two.
It is important to maintain grip during the race and with the chance of rain, the track will be harder to stay on. All it takes is for one spin-out to red-flag the race and give us a surprising podium.
In a battle where every point counts could we see the weather conditions ruin a driver’s chance for the title?
