F1 Sao Paulo GP: Race Times & How to Watch

Everything You Need to Know for the 2025 São Paulo Grand Prix

The Formula 1 championship heats up as the teams descend on São Paulo for the Brazilian Grand Prix. With championship implications and unpredictable conditions, this race promises excitement from start to finish. Here's your complete guide to the F1 São Paulo GP race times, how to watch, and what to expect on the track.

When Does the F1 São Paulo Grand Prix Start?

The 2025 São Paulo Grand Prix is scheduled to begin Nov. 9 at 12 p.m. ET. For international fans, that translates to:

• 11 a.m. CT
• 10 a.m. MT
• 9 a.m. PT
• 5 p.m. GMT
• 2 p.m. São Paulo local time

The race will take place at the iconic Autódromo José Carlos Pace (Interlagos), a challenging 2.677-mile circuit with 15 turns that has hosted some of F1's most memorable moments.

Championship Drama at Interlagos

The São Paulo Grand Prix adds significant intrigue to the World Drivers' Championship battle. McLaren's Lando Norris has been the story of the weekend so far, establishing a narrow lead after Mexico City and then dominating at Interlagos.

Norris captured first place in the sprint qualifying shootout, won the sprint race itself, and then secured pole position again in race qualifying. This impressive performance has given him a nine-point advantage over his teammate Oscar Piastri, who currently sits in second place but faces challenges after crashing out of Saturday's sprint race.

The biggest surprise of qualifying came from Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who failed to advance beyond Q1 for the first time since the 2021 Russian Grand Prix. The championship leader will start from 16th position, setting the stage for what could be a dramatic comeback attempt.

How to Watch the Brazilian Grand Prix

The São Paulo Grand Prix will be broadcast on ESPN2 for viewers in the United States. For cord-cutters, there are several streaming options available:

Option 1: DIRECTV

DIRECTV offers a five-day free trial that includes ESPN2, making it an excellent choice for watching the race without commitment. The trial provides access to over 90 live channels, and after it expires, the subscription costs as low as $49.99 per month.

Option 2: Sling TV

For those looking for a shorter commitment, Sling TV's Orange Day Pass costs just $4.99 and provides 24 hours of access to all channels in the Orange plan, including ESPN2. Sling also offers weekend and week-long passes for its Orange plan, providing between three and seven days of access.

Starting Grid for the São Paulo Grand Prix

The 20-car grid for the Brazilian Grand Prix features an interesting mix of championship contenders and drivers looking to make a statement:

1. Lando Norris (McLaren)
2. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
4. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
5. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls)
6. George Russell (Mercedes)
7. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls)
8. Oliver Bearman (Haas)
9. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
10. Nico Hulkenberg (Kick Sauber)
11. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
12. Alex Albon (Williams)
13. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
14. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
15. Carlos Sainz Jr. (Williams)
16. Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing)
17. Esteban Ocon (Haas)
18. Franco Colapinto (Alpine)
19. Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull Racing)
20. Gabriel Bortoleto (Kick Sauber)

São Paulo Weather and Track Conditions

One of the most unpredictable aspects of the São Paulo Grand Prix is the weather. Teams must be prepared for changing conditions throughout the race weekend. The forecast suggests possible rain during the race, which could completely alter the strategy and outcome.

The Interlagos circuit is unique in several ways. Its anti-clockwise direction puts unusual strain on drivers' neck muscles, making physical conditioning crucial. The elevation changes—ranging from 435 to 740 meters above sea level—affect aerodynamics and engine performance, adding another layer of complexity to setup decisions.

What to Expect During the Race

With 71 laps to complete (totaling 190.064 miles), the São Paulo Grand Prix will test both the drivers' skills and their engineers' strategies. The circuit's technical nature requires precise braking and throttle control, but also provides opportunities for overtakes, particularly in the Senna S and Curva do Sol sections.

Norris will be looking to extend his championship lead with another strong performance, while Verstappen's 16th place start gives him clear track ahead to make up positions. The midfield battle is equally tight, with multiple teams fighting for valuable constructors' championship points.

Regardless of who takes the checkered flag, the São Paulo Grand Prix promises to be a thrilling race that could significantly impact the 2025 championship narrative.