Toyota heads Hypercar field as WEC returns to SĂŁo Paulo
Toyota arrives in Brazil with momentum
Toyota will lead the Hypercar narrative into the Rolex 6 Hours of SĂŁo Paulo after claiming its sixth outright victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans earlier this month. For a manufacturer seeking to rebound from a difficult 2025, the timing could hardly be more significant.
The Japanese marque has been the strongest historical performer across FIA WECâs five previous visits to the AutĂłdromo JosĂ© Carlos Pace, winning twice at the Brazilian venue â more than any other manufacturer. That record gives Toyota a clear reference point as the championship returns to Interlagos, but the competitive picture is far from settled.
BMW, fresh from becoming a first-time Hypercar winner at Spa-Francorchamps in May, and reigning title-holder Ferrari are both positioned as immediate threats. Ferrariâs task is sharpened by the memory of last seasonâs SĂŁo Paulo round, where the Prancing Horse lacked speed around Interlagos.
Cadillac remains the dangerous outsider
Cadillac enters the weekend as the fieldâs most obvious dark horse. The American manufacturer has shown podium-challenging pace in all three events so far in 2026, yet has still not converted that performance into a rostrum finish. That gap between pace and result is now one of the key storylines heading to Brazil. For readers following Cadillacâs broader racing spotlight, our recent coverage on Cadillacâs Austrian GP brake concerns offers further context from another high-pressure paddock.
There is also strong local memory attached to the name. Just under 12 months ago, Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA dominated in Brazil, securing a commanding one-two finish and delivering the Detroit-based brandâs maiden FIA WEC victory. Next weekend, the winning #12 V-Series.R will be shared by Will Stevens and Norman Nato as the pair attempt to reproduce that standout result.
Driver changes shape LMGT3 picture
The Hypercar entry list features further adjustments, with Aston Martinâs two Valkyries reduced to two-driver crews. The LMGT3 field also carries several notable changes.
Kobe Pauwels returns to Heart of Racing Teamâs #23 Aston Martin Vantage, replacing âDuduâ Barrichello, who is unavailable for his home event due to a clashing IMSA GTD programme commitment, which he currently leads.
Recent Le Mans winner Nicky Catsburg is also absent from the #33 TF Sport Corvette for similar reasons. NicolĂĄs Varrone, who raced for Proton Competition in FIA WECâs Hypercar division in 2025 and scored points in SĂŁo Paulo, is set to replace him.
Esteban Masson will retake the wheel of Akkodis ASP Teamâs #78 Lexus RC F, arriving after his LMP2 class exploits at Le Mans. Like Cadillac, the French squad returns to Brazil with positive memories, having achieved its breakthrough series victory at Interlagos.
Simone Scanu
Heâs a software engineer with a deep passion for Formula 1 and motorsport. He co-founded Formula Live Pulse to make live telemetry and race insights accessible, visual, and easy to follow.