After each Grand Prix, we present the RaceReport, a unique and engaging digital recap of the race weekend. Our reporter, Frank Woestenburg, brings you the latest from Brazil!
ROBBERY
One year is not like the other. Just ask Max Verstappen. Last year, he drove in São Paulo – aided by the rain, of course – from P17 to P1, an iconic masterclass. This year, his car was far from fast, he experienced his worst qualification ever, and in his race – no matter how good – he had to concede ground to World Championship leader Lando Norris, effectively surrendering in the title fight.
But there is also a darker side, as we know. Robberies are commonplace. Especially when the billion-dollar circus of Formula 1 comes to town, a red alert is in effect in and around the paddock. In all my previous visits to São Paulo, I regularly heard stories of and about colleagues who had been robbed, I always escaped unscathed. Until this time. A pseudo-taxi driver demanded 1500 US dollars as compensation after my ride from the circuit to the hotel. The financial damage was ultimately limited to some Brazilian change, mainly thanks to a credit card that refused to work. The severe threats that accompanied this incident led me to seek alternative accommodation in a different neighborhood for the last night, in consultation with the hotel staff. I can assure you, my most pleasant taxi ride was on Sunday evening to the airport.
In other words, one year is not like the other. On to next year!
Highlights in São Paulo
Max’s Quote
“We don’t need to talk about the championship anymore, that’s clear. Things went very well for a few weeks and that gave people hope. But perhaps it was false hope. The conclusion is that everything was going our way for a while. And now things are going against us and it’s over.”
Top & Flop
The São Paulo Grand Prix almost always guarantees a spectacle. This year is no exception, even without rain: crashes, safety cars, astonishment at Red Bull, and dominance by Lando Norris. The Brit is making good progress in the title fight. The Top & Flop of Brazil.
Highlight: Lando Norris
Of course, Max Verstappen’s comeback race from the pit lane to P3 is sensational. No one else could pull off such a feat. Kimi Antonelli’s weekend is also sensational. The teenager finishes second in the sprint race and coolly fends off Verstappen’s attacks in the final stages of the main event, successfully defending his second place. However, the man of the weekend is undoubtedly Lando Norris: fastest in the only free practice, twice on pole, and twice a winner, making the world title seem increasingly within reach. Two weeks after his dominant performance in Mexico, the Brit is once again unmatched. His seventh victory of 2025 in a race full of action gives him a comfortable lead in the World Championship standings: 24 points ahead of Oscar Piastri, 49 ahead of Verstappen. “But I’m not thinking about the title at all,” says Norris. “I’m focusing on myself, ignoring everything else, and pushing hard.” With such an attitude, top form, and a competitive car, success seems almost guaranteed.
Disappointment: Gabriel Bortoleto
He couldn’t wait to make his debut in his homeland. For Gabriel Bortoleto, starting at the São Paulo GP is a dream come true. “This is what I’ve always wanted,” assures the Brazilian hope in these anxious racing days. The fans massively support him, and the green shirts of Bortoleto’s employer, Stake F1, are selling out. But that all fades on Saturday afternoon during the final stages of the sprint race. With a heavy crash, a 57G impact, Bortoleto goes off the track at the start/finish line. Miraculously, he walks away unharmed, but the car is completely written off. He misses the qualifying for the main event on Sunday. But the Brazilian’s troubles are not over: he also crashes in the opening stages of the race, this time after a collision with Lance Stroll. “This is the last thing you want,” says Bortoleto.
BEHIND THE SCENES
A glimpse behind the scenes at the Brazilian Grand Prix!
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GP São Paulo: Verstappen Dazzles with P3 After Spectacular Comeback, Norris Triumphs in Brazil
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Three Questions for… Sebastian Vettel
‘If we start to care, we can heal’
Sebastian Vettel was a prominent figure in the São Paulo paddock. He drew attention to the threat to the Brazilian Amazon through a creative drawing campaign with colored pencils. Max Verstappen also participated in the coloring.
Sebastian, what is the background of this action?
“Last year, I was in Brazil to explore the Amazon rainforest and meet the indigenous population. I saw how beautiful and diverse it is, but also how vulnerable. And how urgent it is to protect it. With F1 Forest, I want us all to draw a tree. All drivers, fans, children, old and young people, people with different backgrounds. Because many trees make forests. By creating awareness, we start to care. And if we start to care, we can heal.”
You’ve been committed to the environment, even calling yourself a hypocrite for years of globe-trotting as an F1 driver. How do you see that now?
“I don’t feel guilty, perhaps only at the beginning of my involvement in environmental activities. Now, I’m primarily driven by optimism. And realism. I’m not in favor of banning flights for vacations. The world is beautiful and worth exploring. We need to find technological solutions that allow us to continue doing the same things, but in a more sustainable way.”
Formula 1 aims to be completely climate neutral as a sport by 2030. How realistic is that?
“I think we’re in a transition phase, which means doing some things in a more sustainable way also comes with a cost. But the direction Formula 1 is heading is good and will bear fruit in the long run. Imagine if it really succeeds… What an amazing achievement that would be and how much pressure it would put on all other sports. On football, the Olympics, and world championships. This could be a real game-changer in sports.”
Sebastian Vettel’s Environmental Advocacy
Sebastian Vettel was a prominent figure in the São Paulo paddock, drawing attention to the threat to the Brazilian Amazon through a creative drawing campaign with colored pencils. Max Verstappen also participated. Sebastian, what is the background of this action? “Last year, I was in Brazil to explore the Amazon rainforest and meet the indigenous population. I saw how beautiful and diverse it is, but also how vulnerable. And how urgent it is to protect it. With F1 Forest, I want us all to draw a tree. All drivers, fans, children, old and young people, people with different backgrounds. Because many trees form forests. By creating awareness, we will start to care. And if we start to care, we can heal.”
Vettel’s Self-Critique and Optimism
You are committed to the environment and do not spare yourself. You have previously called yourself a hypocrite because you have flown around the world for years as an F1 driver to race. How do you see that now? “I don’t feel guilty, perhaps only at the beginning of my involvement in environmental activities was that somewhat the case. I am now mainly driven by optimism. And realism. I am not in favor of banning air travel for vacations. The world is beautiful to discover. We need to find technological options that allow us to continue doing the same, but in a more sustainable way.”
Formula 1’s Climate Neutrality Ambition
Formula 1 aims to be completely climate neutral as a sport by 2030. How realistic is that? “I think we are in a transition phase, which means that doing some things in a more sustainable way also has a price. But the direction Formula 1 is going is good and will pay off in the long term. Imagine if it really worked… What a great achievement that would be and how much pressure it would then put on all other sports. On football, the Olympics, and world championships. This could be a real game changer in sports.”
Next Grand Prix: Las Vegas
Las Vegas Street Circuit
“The Las Vegas Grand Prix marks the beginning of the final triple header of the 2025 Formula 1 season. From November 21 to 23, the spectacle descends upon the American gambling city, where racing takes place under the lights of the famous Strip. The street circuit in the heart of Las Vegas once again provides a unique backdrop and could play a crucial role in the championship’s climax. Below is the complete schedule, including times converted for Dutch readers, for the 2025 Las Vegas GP.
Schedule for the 2025 Las Vegas GP
Friday, November 21
- First free practice: 00:30 – 01:30 UTC
- Second free practice: 04:00 – 05:00 UTC
Saturday, November 22
- Third free practice: 00:30 – 01:30 UTC
- Qualification: 04:00 – 05:00 UTC
Sunday, November 23
- Race: 04:00 UTC
“
