Tension builds for Max Verstappen and FIA as Brazilian Sprint Race may be canceled due to ‘Extratropical Storm’ hitting Interlagos with Chaos and Floods
Sao Paulo – Tensions are rising in the Formula 1 world as a powerful extratropical storm threatens Interlagos, the iconic home circuit of the Brazilian Grand Prix. With just four races remaining in the 2025 season, the balance of the championship hangs by a thread, and the threatened cancellation of Saturday’s Sprint Race is fueling the frustrations of championship leader Max Verstappen and his team at Red Bull. The FIA, the international motor racing federation, is under pressure to make a decision that will ensure not only the safety of drivers and spectators, but also the integrity of a season already riddled with controversy surrounding penalties and inconsistencies. As the skies close over Sao Paulo, the fate of the race appears to be in the hands of the weather gods – and the bureaucracy of the FIA.
The storm, which has been warned by Brazil’s National Meteorological Institute, is developing into an orange alert level, the highest in the region. The worst showers are expected to hit Interlagos between 6am and 9am local time on Saturday, just before the Sprint Race’s scheduled 11am start. With wind speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour and precipitation of up to 60 millimeters per hour, there is a threat of flooding in the paddock and on the track. Located more than 700 meters above sea level, the circuit is notorious for its unpredictable weather patterns, which can turn from sunny to apocalyptic in minutes. Organizers have already drawn up contingency plans: the race could start behind the safety car, or in the worst case, be postponed completely. A shortened Sprint Race will not count half points, increasing pressure on the FIA to guarantee a full session – or risk a ‘zero points’ weekend at a crucial time of the season.
For Verstappen, the four-time world champion from the Netherlands, this chaos comes at an inopportune time. He starts the Sprint Race from sixth position after a disappointing qualifying on Friday, where McLaren driver Lando Norris took pole and teammate Oscar Piastri finished third. Norris leads the championship with a narrow one-point lead over Piastri, while Verstappen falls 36 points behind. Red Bull’s RB21 car is showing signs of recovery since the summer break, but the setup does not yet seem optimal for the twisty layout of Interlagos. Verstappen already expressed his frustration during the only free practice, where he finished last and complained about a ‘broken’ car. “We need to maximize this weekend, but if the Sprint is canceled we will lose crucial points,” a Red Bull source said anonymously. The Dutchman, who achieved a legendary victory from P17 in the rain last year, sees the storm as a possible ally – his natural talent in wet conditions is unparalleled – but a cancellation would further jeopardize his title chances.
The tension between Verstappen and the FIA has been flaring up for weeks. The reigning champion is teetering on the edge of a race exclusion due to accumulated penalty points, but a recent expired point gave him breathing space. Yet discontent continues to brew over alleged inconsistencies in steward decisions. Take the incident during Sprint qualifying: Lewis Hamilton, now at Ferrari, ignored double yellow flags after a spin from teammate Charles Leclerc, but was only reprimanded – no penalty. Compare that with previous cases, such as Norris in Qatar 2024 (ten second stop-and-go plus three points) or Verstappen himself in Qatar 2021 (five places grid penalty plus two points). Fans and analysts on social media are abuzz with anger: “FIA and their inconsistency continues,” tweeted a prominent F1 account, citing a series of examples. Verstappen, who has criticized the stewards several times this season, is being diplomatic, but his father Jos hinted that “the rules are unfair if they only apply to us.” The FIA denies bias, but the timing – with a level 4 weather alert and possible postponement – is fueling speculation about how stewards will judge in chaos. Will they give drivers more leeway in the storm, or be stricter to enforce ‘fair play’?
Interlagos, the Autódromo José Carlos Pace, is more than a circuit; it is a temple of drama. Since the introduction of the Sprint format in 2021, Brazil has been a permanent fixture on the calendar, although it will disappear in 2026. The 4.3 kilometer course, with its iconic Senna S and banked corners, has created legends: from Alain Prost’s six victories to Michael Schumacher’s dominance. This weekend, with 33 points in the Sprint and Grand Prix in prospect, the weather could be the deciding factor. Organizers warn of flooding in the pit lane, where the drainage system has been a weak point for years. Spectators, who arrive in record numbers for the Brazilian revelry – samba, chants and an orange sea for Verstappen – are advised to remain alert. Local authorities are coordinating with the FIA, but critics point to previous failures, such as the 2023 floods that almost derailed the race.
Meanwhile, the championship rivalry continues to bubble. McLaren, with Norris and Piastri competing internally without team orders, appear favorites in dry conditions. Norris’ pole in Sprint qualifying, with a time of 1:09.330, underlined the dominance of the MCL39 car. Piastri, only one point behind, is hoping for a recovery after a mediocre Mexico. Ferrari’s Hamilton, motivated by his ‘homecoming’ in Brazil, finished fourth in qualifying and is on edge after his reprimand. Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso surprised with a strong FQ2 time, recalling his podiums in Sao Paulo. But the real death anniversary is Verstappen: his comeback potential in the chaos could turn the title race on its head, provided the FIA allows a green flag.
As the sun sets over Sao Paulo – sunset at 6:30 pm – radars and models monitor the storm. The FIA monitors every hour, with decisions that can take until the last minute. A cancellation would not only cost points, but also disrupt the calendar: Grand Prix qualifying at 3 p.m. local time must fit into a tight window. Experts predict an 80 percent chance of rain in the morning, dropping to 40 percent later. “This is Formula 1 the Brazilian way: passion, uncertainty and pure adrenaline,” summarizes an F1 veteran. For Verstappen and the FIA it is a test of patience and principles. Will the storm bring chaos, or a chance for glory? The world holds its breath, waiting for the first drops – and the first thunder.
