The 2026 F1 calendar is winding down, and Brazil marks the fourth‑last race of the year.
Only one championship remains up for grabs after Kimi Antonelli secured his first drivers’ title in Mexico, capping a dominant Mercedes season.
His triumph made him the youngest world champion ever, beating Sebastian Vettel’s record by three years and ending Italy’s title drought since 1953.
Mercedes could celebrate again this weekend if they seal the constructors’ championship.
Here are five storylines to track at Interlagos.
How can Mercedes seal the constructors’ title?
Andrea Kimi Antonelli – Mercedes
Mercedes shattered records in the turbo‑hybrid era, grabbing eight straight constructors’ titles from 2014‑2021 and seven drivers’ crowns with Hamilton and Rosberg.
A barren spell followed during the ground‑effect years as Red Bull and McLaren dominated, leaving Mercedes off the podium from 2022‑2025 until this regulation shift revived their pace.
Now the German team sits 126 points ahead of Ferrari, meaning a points finish for Antonelli and Russell ahead of Hamilton and Leclerc would hand them the title.
If Antonelli or Russell wins and the teammate stays fourth or better, the championship is theirs; other scenarios include a 2‑3 finish with Ferrari off the podium or both Ferraris out of the points.
In my view, Mercedes is poised to claim its ninth constructors’ crown, tying Williams for third on the all‑time list behind Ferrari (16) and McLaren (10).
– Ed Hardy
Has Ferrari learned from Mexico?
Charles Leclerc – Ferrari; Lewis Hamilton – Ferrari
Ferrari faces its own fallout from Mexico, where a pole‑start for Hamilton turned into a chaotic battle with Leclerc that handed Verstappen the win.
Leclerc tried an aggressive move on Hamilton into Turn 1, then braked hard into Turn 4, sending the Monegasque onto the grass while Verstappen passed.
A penalty for Leclerc’s off‑track excursion effectively handed the Dutchman the victory, prompting an angry Hamilton to demand a serious discussion.
The Scuderia will be grilled on Thursday about their post‑race comments and whether they’ll police intra‑team battles or keep dueling.
Those incidents could teach Ferrari a lesson as they chase a tighter 2027 title fight with a revived Red Bull.
– Ed Hardy
Verstappen and Brazil – a venue for memorable comeback drives
Max Verstappen – Red Bull Racing
After his Mexican triumph, Verstappen sits second in the standings, a position he dismisses as irrelevant, saying only the title matters.
His recent form is impressive: three wins in four races and a strong record at Interlagos, where he’s already won three Grands Prix.
He’s pulled off spectacular drives before – charging from the pit lane to the podium last year, winning from 17th on the grid in 2024, and delivering a wet‑weather masterclass in 2016.
Interlagos promises drama, though Verstappen would welcome a smoother weekend; Ferrari looks strong and McLaren brings upgrades, yet Red Bull’s package feels solid after Mexico.
– Ronald Vording
How well will Camara do on his F1 debut?
Rafael Camara
The French proverb says misfortune for one can be another’s day; at Haas, Esteban Ocon suffered that fate while Hirakawa and Camara seize opportunities.
Following a fallout with Ayao Komatsu, Hirakawa debuted in Mexico, and Camara now steps onto his home Grand Prix stage.
Camara lacks F1 seat time, having only participated in a recent TPC test alongside Hirakawa and Fornaroli.
Nevertheless, he out‑paced the Japanese driver in that test and boasts five rookie Formula 2 poles this season.
As he learns Interlagos and the VF‑26, Camara gains vital experience before a full‑time 2027 debut, potentially outshining Hirakawa who was slower than Bearman by 0.7 seconds.
– Ben Vinel
More Colton Herta fun
Colton Herta – Cadillac Racing
After a tough Formula 2 year, Herta is logging his sixth 2026 FP1 for Cadillac at Interlagos, adding to his F1 mileage.
He aims to meet the 40‑point super licence threshold, after a mix‑up left him one point shy despite a presumed credit from his Mexican outing.
Cadillac will correct the shortfall this weekend while deciding whether Herta joins the 2027 lineup alongside Bottas or stays a reserve.
Herta will drive Perez’s car in practice, planning to deliver clean data and build on his progress.
– Ed Hardy
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– The Team