Can Rain shake up the Brazilian Grand Prix again? A look back at the Sao Paulo races in severe weather

The Sao Paulo race is a favorite of fans and drivers alike, known for its passionate crowd, iconic Senna Ss and spectacular track layout. But what sets it apart from others is its unpredictability, especially when it comes to weather. From breathtaking finishes to impressive overtaking performances, the Brazilian Grand Prix was one of the most memorable wet-weather spectacles in Formula 1.

With another wet forecast looming on the horizon, let’s take a look at some wet weather classics and see if this year could follow suit.

Interlagos Legacy

São Paulo often experiences sudden and heavy downpours, making the Interlagos circuit one of the most unpredictable on the calendar. Unlike European arenas where the weather is fairly predictable, Sao Paulo’s tropical climate means downpours can hit without warning, quickly changing grip and forcing riders to adapt on the fly.

The track features high-speed straights, hilly climbs and tight turns, so even minor mistakes can have dramatic consequences. The increased risk of incidents made wet racing at Interlagos one of the most memorable in the history of the sport.

Famous moments in the rain at the Brazilian Grand Prix

2003: unexpected victory for Giancarlo Fisichella

The 2003 Brazilian Grand Prix was held in the rain, a prime example of the havoc wet weather can bring to Interlagos. Standing water on the track caused several drivers to spin out, including Michael Schumacher, Juan Pablo Montoya and Kimi Raikkonen. The crashes piled up, eventually leading to a red flag after Mark Webber and Fernando Alonso came within seconds of each other.

Räikkönen was initially declared the winner under the standard rule of the time: when the race is stopped, the final positions are counted up to the last lap completed before the red flag. But following a post-race investigation, stewards noticed an inaccuracy: Fisichella was leading the race just before the red flag.

The confusion arose from Formula One timing rules at the time, particularly regarding the red flag and the last flag completed. Fisichella overtook Räikkönen just before the race was stopped, meaning he was in the lead before the stoppage.

2008: Lewis Hamilton’s final corner title triumph

The 2008 Brazilian Grand Prix is ​​etched in the memories of Formula 1 fans around the world as one of the most heartbreaking season finales. The race started in mixed conditions and there was light rain again in the final laps.

Because of this, drivers and teams were taking a gamble on whether or not to change their tires. Felipe Massa, racing at his home track, crossed the finish line first, seemingly winning both the race and the championship.

But here’s the twist: Lewis Hamilton overtook Timo Glock at the very last corner to earn the points he needed to take the lead in the title race. In a matter of seconds, the fans were stunned.

What does the forecast for the Brazilian Grand Prix promise?

The latest forecast for the 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix weekend suggests a high chance of rain, with current forecasts showing a 60% chance of showers in Sao Paulo on both qualifying and race days.

Interlagos has a reputation for hosting unpredictable, weather-dependent races, and if rain does fall, it can turn the weekend into a strategic battleground, shaking up race plans and testing the adaptability of drivers on the circuit.

With the current dynamics of the grid, this means that the dominant player will have to adapt a more defensive strategy, while hungry midfield players may take the opportunity to disrupt the usual order. With Red Bull strong in dry conditions, a wet race could open the door to an unexpected podium finish.

Pit stop strategy and drama

Rain often forces teams into risky, high-stakes games. The challenge is choosing slick, intermediate and all-wet tracks as conditions vary from sector to sector. In a heavily rained race in 2016, several teams had difficulty timing their pit stops, leading to crashes and pit stop gambling.

And teams are likely to be on their toes this weekend. The intermediate and all-wet Pirelli tires are likely to make a difference, especially in the early laps if there is heavy rain.

Keep an eye on Mercedes – a team with a strong and proven track record in wet weather conditions – as they may take the risk of making an early pit stop if conditions suddenly change.

Wet weather specialists

It is in rainy weather that a driver’s true talent is revealed. This is even more true at Interlagos, where incorrect braking or slight oversteer can hasten disaster.

In the current line-up, veterans such as Fernando Alonso and Hamilton have shown exceptional talent in wet racing, each achieving podium finishes in rain-affected races. On the other hand, younger riders such as Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri may have more difficulty and may be more prone to mistakes.

Safety cars, red flags and restarts

A safety car is almost a guarantee at the Brazilian Grand Prix. With frequent accidents and a track known for its tricky corners, safety cars become essential in managing the chaos.

In 2012 and 2016, multiple safety cars were deployed due to heavy rains. This adds another strategic element as teams have to adapt their pit stop strategies.