Interlagos GP resurfacing aims to fix drainage issues ahead of Brazil weekend

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari SF-25, rear, 2025 F1

After last year’s controversies regarding a resurfacing that failed to fully satisfy the drivers, the organizers of the São Paulo Grand Prix decided to resurface large portions of the first and third sectors of the track. Drainage has also been revised, with additional channels cut into the asphalt to allow water to flow more efficiently across multiple points of the circuit.

This weekend at Interlagos could be decisive for the world championship battle, especially as it features a Sprint race, meaning that every detail carries increased weight. It is a crucial weekend, full of uncertainties, not just due to the weather forecast which predicts rain on Saturday, realistically reducing the reliability of Sprint data for the main race.

However, another factor could influence the weekend’s outcome beyond the weather: the asphalt itself. While the track layout hasn’t been altered, after last year’s criticism, some sections were resurfaced not only to respond to driver feedback but also to improve water drainage in the event of rain.

The new asphalt laid before the 2024 Grand Prix had not entirely convinced drivers. Max Verstappen even noted that some areas were so bumpy that lines had to be altered to protect the tires, even in wet conditions. The previous wet race also highlighted the poor effectiveness of drainage, with multiple drivers suffering from aquaplaning incidents.

Rain had limited full evaluation of the data, but based on Friday and Saturday analysis, the new asphalt appeared smoother and darker in color, absorbing more heat. On Friday, track temperatures peaked near 50°C, dropping approximately 15°C during qualifying. Such conditions can amplify tire thermal degradation and complicate tire management, particularly during the race. Last year, even with limited data collection due to rain, Friday and Saturday sessions showed high levels of tire wear and significant graining, especially on the rear axle. This is why Pirelli opted to bring harder compounds compared to 2024, when softer tires had been used relative to the previous year.

Interestingly, Friday’s data showed values closer to expectations, and the asphalt is less smooth in composition. Pirelli stated that based on free practice data alone, it might have chosen a softer tire step. However, excessive tire sliding was observed, which worsened degradation. Still, with a dry race expected, a one-stop strategy seems feasible.

Based on last year’s observations, the organizers decided to take action, commissioning additional resurfacing and implementing solutions to improve water drainage. The section from Turn 12, the last before the long straight, to the first chicane has been resurfaced, as well as the final part of the chicane extending along the straight leading to Descida do Lago.

Grooves were also cut in critical areas, including the heart of the Senna ‘S’, the pit exit, and the approach to Juncao, to reduce the risk of standing water—a crucial factor considering strong rain is forecast for Saturday, with storm warnings in São Paulo. It is worth noting that these small grooves can slightly move the tires, potentially increasing dry-weather degradation.

Speaking ahead of the weekend, Alex Albon explained that one of the biggest issues at Interlagos is the formation of water streams or stagnant patches, which can make the car difficult to handle and increase the risk of serious accidents. The drainage improvements should help mitigate this problem.

“There are many streams when it rains. Last year the track was very bumpy; it will be interesting to see how much of this has been fixed with the new asphalt. The asphalt itself feels a bit unusual,” said the Williams driver. The Brazil Grand Prix promises to be particularly interesting and unpredictable, with the Sprint race likely to be wet and the weather remaining uncertain for Sunday’s main event.