Red Bull arrives at the 2025 Sao Paulo Grand Prix with two drivers carrying very different motivations but a shared sense of momentum. Max Verstappen looks to repeat last year’s comeback victory at Interlagos, while Yuki Tsunoda heads into a decisive weekend with growing confidence in his race pace and a clear intention to strengthen his case for a seat next season.
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Verstappen returns to a circuit with deep personal meaning
For Verstappen, Interlagos is more than a race track. Brazil carries emotional weight because his partner’s family is from the country and because some of his most dramatic F1 drives have taken place here.
“Brazil is a special place for me because I have experienced so many incredible races and great moments there and my in-laws are from Brazil,” Verstappen said.
Among those moments was his remarkable 2024 win, achieved from seventeenth on the grid in heavy rain. It was the furthest back victory since Kimi Raikkonen at Suzuka in 2005.
“The heavy rain here can make for some pretty crazy races, especially last year when I came from seventeenth to win. It was an emotional win and an important race in the championship fight.”
Red Bull has a strong record at Interlagos and Verstappen has taken multiple victories with Honda power since 2019. With the 2025 title still undecided, he arrives in Brazil wearing a special helmet and with a clear goal of cutting further into the points gap.
Tsunoda sees risk as opportunity ahead of a critical weekend
Interlagos is known for unpredictable weather and this year will include a sprint format, adding pressure to a single free practice session before two qualifying sessions. For Tsunoda, that volatility is not a threat but a chance.
“You never know what the weather will bring, which makes Brazil an exciting race every year. Rain could have an impact this weekend, but that will be the same for everyone, so it is important that we make the most of our track time and respond as a team.”
He added that the combination of a sprint format and rain could produce a memorable weekend.
Tsunoda enters Brazil encouraged by his recent race pace. In Mexico he ran laps close to Verstappen’s pace before a pit stop issue cost him potential points. The underlying performance gives him confidence as the season enters its final stages.
“It is a plus for me that I have had a good feeling with the car in terms of race pace over the last two races. I am running laps that are pretty close to Max’s and I feel confident with the car and the updates. If I can drive consistently through both qualifying sessions, I think I will be in a good position to fight for the top spots in both the sprint and the final.”
Last year, Tsunoda qualified third in the rain at Interlagos, the best qualifying result of his career. That performance made him only the third Japanese driver in history to start from the top three. With more rain forecast, he sees an opportunity to deliver another standout result.
“The important thing this weekend is to score points, contribute to the team’s Constructors Championship and support Max as much as possible.”
A familiar pattern or a new twist
The last six Grands Prix have all been won from pole, creating a clear trend of qualifying shaping the final result. Interlagos often breaks patterns, especially when weather becomes a factor. Red Bull has the performance to control the weekend, but the conditions could widen the field and offer openings for those who thrive in chaos.
As the championship pressure rises and the weather radar becomes part of the narrative, all eyes turn to Verstappen’s push for a comeback and Tsunoda’s fight to secure his place on the 2026 grid.
