The Sao Paulo Grand Prix is the 20th round of the 2026 Formula 1 season, with several major questions heading into the weekend. Kimi Antonelli has already celebrated winning the Drivers’ Championship, and Mercedes now has a chance to secure the Constructors’ title at Interlagos. Other talking points include a late change at Haas, Ferrari’s response after its Mexico City setback and uncertainty around Valtteri Bottas’ future at Cadillac.
Rafael Camara will make his Formula 1 debut for Haas at his home race after Esteban Ocon was dropped ahead of Saturday’s running in Mexico City. Haas confirmed Ocon will not return to the team this season. Ryo Hirakawa had initially been set to fill in, but with the Japanese driver competing in the World Endurance Championship this weekend, Haas has promoted Camara, its planned 2027 race driver.
The 21-year-old Brazilian leads the Formula 2 Championship. He has limited experience in a Haas and will drive a 2026 F1 car for the first time in Friday’s opening practice session. Haas has confirmed his seat for this weekend only; whether he completes the final two rounds of the F2 season or stays in F1 remains undecided.
Mercedes is 126 points ahead of Ferrari with four rounds remaining. With no Sprint races left, 172 points are still available. After the Sao Paulo race, the maximum remaining total will fall to 129, so Mercedes will clinch the Constructors’ Championship if it increases its lead over Ferrari by at least three points this weekend.
Ferrari has outscored Mercedes by 34 points across the last four rounds, but missed a major opportunity in Mexico City. Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were running first and second on the opening lap before both went deep at Turn 4 while fighting for the lead. Leclerc received a time penalty, and Hamilton lost position to Max Verstappen, who went on to win. Ferrari finished second and fourth, scoring 30 points rather than the maximum 43, while Mercedes lost only nine points to its rival.
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur said he would speak with the drivers before the Brazil race, after expressing frustration that their battle had taken priority over the team’s interests. Their on-track contest will be worth watching again: Verstappen leads the fight for second in the Drivers’ Championship by two points over Hamilton, while Leclerc is fifth, 16 points behind Verstappen.
Bottas’ place at Cadillac is another question mark. The team signed him and Sergio Perez on multi-year deals for 2026, but Cadillac CEO Dan Towriss has raised concerns about some of Bottas’ performances. The Finn has failed to finish 10 of the 19 races so far, including a high-speed crash in Mexico following a front-left failure.
Cadillac test driver Colton Herta will drive in Friday practice in Brazil, replacing Perez. He needs 100 kilometres in a clean session to earn the final point required for a Super Licence. Towriss has said Bottas could still retain his seat and praised his professional response, but his contract does not appear to prevent Cadillac from making a change.
Interlagos provides a fitting setting for the final round of the latest triple-header. The circuit is known for its elevation changes, flowing layout and kerbs drivers can attack, and has hosted title-deciding races. The passionate local crowd and the possibility of wet weather could add further drama. Antonelli is also due to visit Ayrton Senna’s private estate in Tatui during the week.
Sources: Formula 1.