F1 São Paulo GP Predictions & Picks 2026 - Verstappen Makes It Four
- Max Verstappen is tipped to win the São Paulo Grand Prix.
- Kimi Antonelli and Lewis Hamilton are both predicted for podium finishes.
- Wet weather and Safety Cars are likely to play a key role at Interlagos.
F1 São Paulo Grand Prix Predictions 2026. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
F1 São Paulo Grand Prix Predictions 2026 - Expert Picks
Max Verstappen wins at Interlagos for the fourth time and ties Michael Schumacher's record at the track.
He's won three of the last four races, Interlagos rewards the best driver in tricky conditions, and rain is in the forecast. That's why I'm backing Verstappen to win the Formula 1 São Paulo Grand Prix. I'm also taking new champion Kimi Antonelli and Lewis Hamilton to join him on the podium.
Lights out is Sunday, November 8 at noon ET / 9 a.m. PT, live on TSN and RDS. My São Paulo Grand Prix stats breakdown has the full Track Scorecard and all 10 numbers that matter at Interlagos, but these are the four that shaped my picks:
- A Safety Car has come out in 86% of recent races here.
- Verstappen won from 17th in the rain in 2024, the furthest back anyone has won from at this track.
- Antonelli finished second here last year in both the Sprint and the Grand Prix.
- Hamilton has won at Interlagos three times, including a wet race in 2016.
Max Verstappen to Win the São Paulo Grand Prix
Verstappen arrives with wins in Malaysia, Singapore and Mexico City from the last four races, plus seven straight podium finishes. In Mexico he started fifth after a grid penalty and still won, holding off Hamilton after a late Safety Car restart.
That's exactly what Interlagos asks for. The order here gets reset by Safety Cars and rain, and Verstappen is the best in the field at making the most of a restart or a wet track. His 2024 win from 17th proves it.
He's also got a reason to push. He's only two points ahead of Hamilton in the fight for second, and Red Bull want that runner-up spot.
Pick: Max Verstappen to win
Kimi Antonelli Podium Finish
Antonelli was second here last year. He qualified second, finished second in the Sprint and second again on Sunday. Now he arrives as world champion, with podiums in each of his last three races.
Mercedes have the strongest car of the season, and there's no title pressure left on Antonelli's shoulders. He drove a smart race in Mexico, stayed out of trouble early on and passed Leclerc after the restart to finish third.
The one worry is reliability. Russell lost places with what Mercedes boss Toto Wolff called a technical issue in Mexico, and the same thing happening to Antonelli is the main way I see him missing the top three.
Pick: Kimi Antonelli top 3 finish
Lewis Hamilton Podium Finish
Hamilton took his first Grand Prix pole for Ferrari in Mexico City and finished second, just 0.8 seconds behind Verstappen. That's the best he's looked in red.
Interlagos is one of his best tracks. He's won here three times, in 2016, 2018 and 2021, and the 2021 win came from 10th on the grid. If the rain arrives on Sunday, I'd want him on my side.
Ferrari are the risk. Both cars retired here last year, and Hamilton was furious after tangling with Leclerc in Mexico. But he has the pace, and this track suits him.
Pick: Lewis Hamilton top 3 finish
Verdict
Max Verstappen to win the São Paulo Grand Prix, with Kimi Antonelli and Lewis Hamilton both finishing in the top three.
Jeremy Darke
Sports Editor & Betting Analyst • Sports Writer & Expert Betting Analyst
Jeremy is a sports journalist and analyst covering major US leagues including NBA, NHL and NFL, seeking out player props and value.
From playing rugby, ice hockey, tennis and soccer in his home country of Australia to travelling the world covering US sports, he has found a niche in betting expertise.
His interest in analytics and statistics helps him find the edge while writing previews and being a regular tipster here at ExpertPicks.com.