The weekend at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace, commonly known as Interlagos, presents one of the most demanding assignments of the season for teams across the grid. With a 4.309 km anti-clockwise layout that alternates high-speed straights with flowing, downhill and technical sections, the circuit forces teams to strike a very delicate balance between aerodynamic downforce and efficiency. This season, that challenge appears to be hitting nearly every team — and in particular Scuderia Ferrari — who have visibly struggled in similar conditions.
Adding to the complexity are São Paulo’s traditionally unpredictable weather conditions, where sudden showers and steep drops in temperature inject additional uncertainty into car setup and strategy. It’s not just about engineering the fastest package — it’s also about flexibility and adaptability in the face of shifting track conditions.
For the 2025 edition, tyre supplier Pirelli has selected the C2-C3-C4 compounds, representing a step up in hardness compared with 2024. This tyre allocation allows teams to consider using the Soft compound even in the race, but it demands close attention to rear-axle degradation, especially during long runs.
Brake specialist Brembo classifies Interlagos as a medium-brake‐load circuit: while the total use per lap is only roughly 12 seconds of heavy braking, the first corner — the famous “S do Senna” — subjects cars to over 4.6 g of deceleration, making it one of the toughest single braking zones of the calendar.
The combination of an irregular track surface, uphill and downhill sections, and a relatively short lap distance means that every compromise a team makes becomes highly visible. A setup with too much downforce will penalise speed on the straights; conversely, too little will undermine stability in the technical sections. It is within this fragile trade-off that we examine the first pit-lane images captured by technical analyst Albert Fabrega, which show the differing rear-wing configurations adopted by teams — a preview of the aerodynamic strategies in play for the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Rear-wing comparison: a snapshot of aerodynamic philosophy
On a circuit that demands such a finely-tuned equilibrium, it is no surprise that the initial pit-lane photographs reveal a wide spectrum of aerodynamic choices. Most teams have opted for medium-load rear-wing setups, yet significant divergence is evident between those favouring maximum straight-line speed and those prioritising rear stability.
For example, Mercedes and Racing Bulls have adopted relatively mid-downforce configurations, optimised for dry conditions and minimal drag. In contrast, teams such as Aston Martin, Alpine F1 Team and Haas F1 Team are running higher downforce rear-wing assemblies, which would provide greater control if the track is damp or slippery.
Additionally, the technical differences between rear-wing designs are striking. McLaren and Ferrari continue to employ a lower “V-shaped” profile on their main plane, which channels a portion of the central flow and reduces drag — a design aimed at enhancing straight-line speed. Meanwhile, Red Bull maintains a full-width, more traditional rear-wing profile, prioritising consistent rear-axle downforce and stability throughout long stints.
What does this mean for Ferrari?
For Ferrari, the aerodynamic and setup challenge at Interlagos lays bare the weak points in their current package. The need for both high downforce in the twisty and undulating sections, and low drag on the long straights, creates a narrow performance window. With the team visibly under stress in comparable circuits this year, the Brazilian Grand Prix may present their biggest setup dilemma.
If Ferrari executes the wrong compromise — for instance by favouring low drag at the expense of rear stability — they risk losing time in the technical sections and struggle with tyre degradation. Conversely, a setup heavily loaded for downforce could leave them vulnerable on the straights and make them easy prey for rivals in slipstream zones. The upcoming free-practice sessions will therefore be crucial to gauge how the Scuderia intends to navigate this tricky balance.
In summary, Interlagos remains one of the toughest races of the year from a technical standpoint, and the early pit-lane imagery hints at the divergent strategies unfolding within the paddock. For Ferrari, the weekend could serve as a litmus test of their ability to optimise aero balance under demanding conditions — and learning from this event may be key to their development in view of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
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