São Paulo GP 2026 Predictions: Who Wins at Interlagos?
Our pre-race prediction for the 2026 São Paulo Grand Prix was a Max Verstappen win, with Kimi Antonelli and Lewis Hamilton on the podium. What happened: Lando Norris won from pole, Verstappen finished second after starting 21st, and Isack Hadjar was third. Antonelli finished fifth and Hamilton ninth, so one of our three podium picks was right.
Updated November 10, 2026. Read the São Paulo GP 2026 results and the starting grid. The prediction below is as published on November 5.
Last updated: November 5, 2026. This is our prediction, based on 2026 results from formula1.com. It is an opinion, not a fact.
Who is in form before Brazil?
The last four races tell the story of the season’s final phase.
| Race | Winner | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Bahrain (Oct. 4) | Max Verstappen | Red Bull Racing |
| Singapore (Oct. 11) | Max Verstappen | Red Bull Racing |
| United States (Oct. 25) | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes |
| Mexico City (Nov. 1) | Max Verstappen | Red Bull Racing |
Source: formula1.com 2026 results. Mercedes has won 12 of the 19 races, but Red Bull has taken three of the last four. Ferrari looked quickest in Mexico City, where Lewis Hamilton took pole, before an opening-lap fight with Charles Leclerc handed the win to Verstappen (what happened at Turn 4).
Our São Paulo GP 2026 prediction
| Pick | Driver | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Winner | Max Verstappen | Three wins in the last four races and the strongest recent race pace |
| P2 | Kimi Antonelli | Nine wins this season; no pressure now that the title is his |
| P3 | Lewis Hamilton | Pole and P2 in Mexico City; Ferrari’s car was fast there |
| Dark horse | Lando Norris | He won the 2025 São Paulo Grand Prix for McLaren |
Interlagos often rewards drivers who can recover from a bad start. Verstappen won the 2024 race from 17th on the grid, which is why we lean towards him even if qualifying goes wrong.
What else is at stake?
- Constructors’ title: Mercedes leads Ferrari by 126 points and clinches the title if it outscores Ferrari by three or more in Brazil. Here is the full constructors’ math.
- Second place in the drivers’ standings: Verstappen (261), Hamilton (259) and George Russell (250) are separated by 11 points. Our pick: Verstappen leaves Brazil still second.
- Ferrari’s teammates: after Mexico City, all eyes are on whether Ferrari lets Hamilton and Leclerc race freely.
When is the São Paulo Grand Prix?
The race starts Sunday, November 8, at 12 p.m. ET (11 a.m. CT, 9 a.m. PT), with qualifying on Saturday at 1 p.m. ET. It falls on the same day as the NASCAR championship race at 3 p.m. ET, so see our November 8 F1 and NASCAR watch guide and the Brazilian Grand Prix 2026 guide for the track and full schedule.
FAQ
Who won the 2026 São Paulo Grand Prix?
Lando Norris won for McLaren. Our pre-race prediction was Max Verstappen, who finished second.
Who won the São Paulo Grand Prix in 2025?
Lando Norris won the 2025 race for McLaren.
What time is the 2026 São Paulo Grand Prix in the US?
Sunday, November 8, at 12 p.m. ET, 11 a.m. CT and 9 a.m. PT.
Did Mercedes win the constructors’ title in Brazil?
Yes. Mercedes clinched the title at Interlagos on November 8.
This article is part of our F1 2026 season hub.
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Alex is the editor of Apexline, an independent Formula 1 and US motorsport site for American fans. Alex writes race previews, results and rule explainers, checks every result, point total and session time against formula1.com and the FIA, and converts race times to Eastern, Central and Pacific time. Read how we work in our editorial policy: https://vantage97.design/editorial-policy/
