2026 São Paulo GP weather: rain forecast for race day

Light rain is forecast for the 2026 São Paulo Grand Prix at Interlagos on Sunday, 8 November. The Met Office puts the hourly chance of precipitation at 95% or higher from 14:00 to 16:00 local time, the scheduled race window. Air temperatures are forecast to fall from 17°C around the formation lap to 16°C later in the afternoon.

The formation lap is scheduled for 14:00 in São Paulo (17:00 GMT). Saturday’s downpour ahead of qualifying delayed the session and left enough standing water for a red flag shortly after Q1 began. The race-day forecasts point more towards light rain and drizzle, although the amount of water on the track at the start will depend on how much falls beforehand.

What the race-hour forecasts say

• 14:00 São Paulo time (17:00 GMT) — Light rain, 17°C, at least a 95% chance of precipitation.
• 15:00 São Paulo time (18:00 GMT) — Light rain, 16°C, at least a 95% chance of precipitation.
• 16:00 São Paulo time (19:00 GMT) — Light rain, 16°C, at least a 95% chance of precipitation.

The Met Office also forecasts a south-southeasterly breeze of about 19 km/h, with gusts near 40 km/h during the race window. Brazilian forecaster Climatempo puts the chance of rain at the start at 80% and expects persistent light rain, with afternoon temperatures of 13–15°C. São Paulo’s municipal weather centre expects rain to ease as the cold front moves away, with light rain or occasional drizzle still possible later in the day.

Formula 1’s earlier weekend outlook covered in our forecast was issued on Wednesday and listed a 40% chance of rain for Sunday, with heavy rain and thunderstorms possible. The more recent Met Office outlook is hourly and points to a greater chance of precipitation during the race window, with light rain the prevailing forecast. The percentages refer to different forecast periods and cannot be compared directly.

What light rain would mean for tyres

If light rain keeps the racing line damp without leaving much standing water, intermediates could stay in use for longer. If the rain eases and a dry line develops, teams will have to weigh the gains from switching to slicks against the time lost warming them up on a cool track. A heavier burst could bring full wets into play, with spray and visibility affecting whether racing can continue.

Qualifying showed how quickly that balance can change. Drivers resumed Q1 on full wets and switched to intermediates as grip improved in Q2. On Sunday, the first decision will come before the formation lap, when teams can judge how much of the circuit has dried and whether the latest rain has left standing water away from the racing line.