F1 LIVE: Sao Paulo GP updates as the race unfolds at Interlagos

Interlagos' tight, tactical 71-lap race favors strategic frontrunners — Max Verstappen looks the safe outright pick given recent form, with Lewis Hamilton the main challenger for win or podium. Punters should consider each-way or podium bets on George Russell if weather or safety cars reshuffle strategies; pit-stop timing and Turn 1 overtakes could create value betting opportunities.

Sao Paulo Grand Prix preview: who can tame Interlagos over 71 laps?

The main F1 event of the Sao Paulo weekend arrives with 71 laps around the undulating Interlagos circuit. This short but intense track produces close racing and strategic drama, rewarding drivers who can manage tyres, traffic and pit-stop windows.

Track characteristics and race dynamics

Interlagos is a circuit of rapid elevation changes and heavy lateral loads that often makes tyre management decisive. Overtaking zones are limited but influential — the run into Turn 1 and the downhill approach to Turn 4 regularly decide wheel-to-wheel moves. Safety cars and changing weather have historically reshuffled outcomes, keeping strategic calls crucial.

Form guide: favourites and past winners

Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton enter with strong recent form and multiple Interlagos victories on their resumes, making them natural favourites. George Russell is the only other current-grid driver to have previously won in Brazil, marking him as a genuine threat if strategy or conditions open a window.

Key tactical battles to watch

Teams will prioritise qualifying position, tyre allocation and reactive pit strategies to counter traffic and safety-car disruptions. Expect midfield teams to gamble on alternative strategies and each-stop calls that could vault them into the points if frontrunners get stuck.

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Betting angles and value plays

Outright markets: back Verstappen as the market-leader choice, with Hamilton the main alternative for win/podium. Each-way or podium bets on Russell could yield value if strategy or weather intervene. Keep an eye on in-race markets: safety-car probability and number-of-stops lines often shift rapidly at Interlagos and can offer late value to nimble punters.

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