​Weather forecast for the 2026 Sao Paulo GP says Saturday’s qualifying could be affected by heavy rain. (Source: MEGA)
Saturday is the day to watch the sky at Interlagos. Formula 1’s official forecast for the Sao Paulo GP gives a 50% chance of rain on Saturday, November 7, most likely after 2 PM and possibly lasting into the evening. That window lands right on top of qualifying, which starts at 3 PM local time, so the session that sets Sunday’s grid carries the biggest risk of the weekend.The warning is substantial. The official forecast says that “if rain does occur, it could be significant,” and it adds that some streets in the city could flood and standing water could form on the track. Even without a storm, gusts could reach 50 km/h (31 mph), and strong winds will affect drivers in the braking zones. F1 WARNS OF POSSIBLE FLOODING AT INTERLAGOS Formula 1’s official São Paulo GP weather forecast highlights a significant risk of rain this weekend: Friday: 30% Saturday: 50% Sunday: 40%Saturday is the biggest concern, with heavy rain possible after 2 PM local… pic.twitter.com/tyajxgaycu— Everything Formula (@evrythngformu1a) November 5, 2026Sunday doesn’t look much different either. Race day should be cool and possibly unsettled, with temperatures between 13 C and 19 C (55 F to 66 F) and a 40% chance of heavy rain and thunderstorms. Still, the timing of Saturday’s threat makes qualifying the session most likely to turn out chaotic.Max Verstappen didn’t hide his excitement at Thursday’s press conference. The Red Bull driver, who won from 17th at Interlagos in 2024, recalled “crazy races” there, including wins from the front and from the back in the rain. “It’s looking like there’s a chance of rain again, so that’s exciting,” he said.Why Saturday Afternoon Is the Danger Zone at Sao Paulo GPInterlagos makes its own weather, and the Audi F1 team explained how this week. Two reservoirs sit on either side of the circuit and put a lot of moisture into the air, and sudden temperature shifts can help storms form.
Audi has explained why the Sao Paulo GP is always at risk of being affected by rain and storms. (Source: MEGA)
The track also sits on a hillside about 800 meters above sea level, which pushes damp air upward, where it cools and falls as rain.That’s not just a theory. Audi pointed out that wet weather has been a major factor in qualifying here in three of the last four seasons. In 2024, a heavy storm pushed qualifying back to Sunday morning, and a year later the FIA issued a rare level 4 rain warning for Saturday.Last year’s Sao Paulo GP, though, ran in dry conditions, with Lando Norris winning for McLaren ahead of Antonelli and Verstappen. However, this year could be a different story. PlanetF1, writing on November 4, put the risk at 60% for final practice and 30% for qualifying, with Sunday’s race facing a 50-60% chance.Max Verstappen’s epic storm lap Brazil 2023 pic.twitter.com/OE7ZY7ZH3A— MV33Racing (@MV33Racing) November 3, 2026F