For its part, the Woking-based team clearly has the strongest car on the grid, but with a Red Bull determined to disrupt their plans and allow its champion to remain at the top of the world for a fifth consecutive year. The updates on the RB21 did not offer significant advantages in Mexico City, so the São Paulo weekend will also be interesting from this perspective.
However, the McLaren team halted major updates on the car relatively early, focusing most of its efforts exclusively on next year’s car and the upcoming regulation changes. On the other hand, Red Bull is taking a calculated risk by continuing to develop the RB21—fully aware that the hierarchy could shift dramatically from 2026 onward.
Brazilian GP: McLaren must also rely on Piastri
Fresh from a flawless and uncontested victory in Mexico, Lando Norris has moved to the top of the championship standings, leading Oscar Piastri by just one point and Max Verstappen by 36. The Interlagos round will therefore be crucial to consolidating his newly acquired lead. However, the Sprint Race could swing points in either direction, and memories of Austin are still fresh.
“Last week I returned to Woking with the team,” the British driver said. “We reviewed the double-header, and I spent time in the simulator preparing for this weekend. I feel good and I can’t wait to get back on track. Let’s go!”
Norris comes off a series of strong performances and aims to remain competitive on the Brazilian circuit, traditionally favorable to drivers who can quickly adapt to changes in weather and grip levels.
Alongside him, Oscar Piastri is seeking to regain the feeling that seems to have been lost with his MCL39. “Brazil is a great opportunity to score important points, especially with the Sprint Race. Everything is still up for grabs, and preparation for this weekend has been very productive. It’s a track I enjoy, with its elevation changes and mix of long straights and tight sections. We’ll also have to keep a close eye on the weather, as always,” he said.
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