Extratropical cyclone threatens to disrupt Brazilian GP weekend as warning issued

The 2025 F1 São Paulo Grand Prix may face major weather disruptions as an extratropical cyclone brings the risk of intense storms, strong winds, and heavy rain across the region on Friday and Saturday.

Meteorologists warn that wind gusts could exceed 100 km/h in parts of Greater São Paulo — potentially impacting travel, fan areas, and on-track sessions at Interlagos. Lightning and localised flooding are also possible.

State civil defence authorities have placed multiple areas under weather alerts and activated emergency coordination teams.

The worst conditions are expected late Friday into Saturday, but it is not yet clear if or when the cyclone might reach land — or how it could impact on-track running.

Currently, Sunday appears less threatened by severe weather conditions, but conditions remain unpredictable.

This is not unfamiliar territory for the iconic round in Brazil: during the 2024 event, qualifying was postponed until Sunday morning after a torrential downpour made the track unsafe and visibility too poor to compete.

Similar to last season, it is a sprint weekend, which means all sessions following the only free practice hour will be competitive.

With 33 points available as the F1 drivers' championship fight between the McLarens of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri and Red Bull's Max Verstappen heads to a crescendo, all three will want minimal disruption.

The Dutchman stormed to a sensational victory at Interlagos 12 months ago, coming from P17 on the grid to place one hand on his fourth title, which was secured at the subsequent round in Las Vegas.