Interlagos tyre alert: right-rear wear could be critical this weekend | F1 Sao Paulo GP. The Brazilian GP at Interlagos challenges F1 teams with high right-rear tyre wear.

After McLaren returned to victory in Mexico City, F1 heads to the third round of the American tour at the Autodromo José Carlos Pace, better known as Interlagos, for the Brazilian Grand Prix.

The São Paulo track has frequently been decisive in championship battles and has hosted spectacular on-track fights and major comebacks. The circuit runs anticlockwise and combines a twisty section with long straights, requiring high aerodynamic load. Reduced air density, approximately 17% lower, also plays a role. Lateral and longitudinal loads, however, are balanced. Numerous bumps and elevation changes stem from its location between two artificial lakes, giving the circuit its name: Interlagos.

Temperature charts indicate that the most stressed tyres are on the right side, particularly the rear. Critical corners include Turn 3, after the Senna S, Turn 4, and Turns 11 and 12. Turn 1 also requires attention, as drivers often lock the left front.

For this weekend in Brazil, Pirelli has selected the medium range of compounds: C2, C3, and C4, unlike last year when the C5 was not used. The asphalt was laid in 2024 just before the previous GP, so the surface is expected to still be “green,” with grip evolving throughout the weekend.

Tyre wear is expected to be medium-high, with the right tyres most affected due to the circuit’s layout of 10 left-hand and 5 right-hand corners. Weather remains a key variable, as heavy rain is often possible, strongly affecting track temperature and tyre management.

While the track is conducive to overtaking, starting position and pit strategies remain crucial for success at Interlagos.