Kimi Antonelli became Formula 1's youngest world champion by finishing third at the Mexico City Grand Prix, but there is plenty of racing left to cover this season as we head to Brazil for the 2026 Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
Mercedes ace Antonelli needed only to finish in the top nine in Mexico City but charged forward to complete an iconic podium, with the newly crowned champion sharing the top three with seven-time winner Lewis Hamilton and now four-time winner Max Verstappen.
That result saw Verstappen move to second in the World Drivers' Championship standings, but only 16 points separate him from Charles Leclerc in fifth and there is plenty more to play for as we look further down the standings.
Racing Bulls appear well-placed to win the midfield battle, but Haas and Audi are locked in a battle for seventh, while both Williams and Aston Martin have a chance at ninth.
Sao Paulo Grand Prix betting picks and predictions
Max Verstappen to win (+130)
A disappointing start to the season put Verstappen out of World Drivers' Championship contention almost before the battle had even begun, but the Dutchman's skill and Red Bull's phenomenal development have taken them back to the top of the pile.
In a hypothetical world in which the 2026 Formula 1 season started in Barcelona, Verstappen would be just six points off leader Antonelli and in with a strong chance of winning a fifth world title.
His flawless win in Mexico City last weekend was his third victory in the last four races and he has finished on the podium in seven successive races.
In fact, Verstappen has finished on the podium in each of the last 10 races he has completed and he was on track for a top-three finish before a late crash in the British Grand Prix.
Red Bull's main man has won three of the last six trips to Interlagos and he can continue his hot streak in this year's Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
Liam Lawson to finish in the top six (+600)
Liam Lawson may have garnered criticism from Verstappen last weekend, but the New Zealander has been an excellent performer this season and may be a high value play for a top-six finish in Brazil.
He finished seventh for the third time in four Grands Prix in Mexico City and that run includes a stunning fifth in the Singapore Sprint last month.
Lawson has managed three top-six finishes this season, two of which were earned for Racing Bulls, and the car clearly has the pace to capitalize on any problems for the frontrunners.
Each of the last six Sao Paulo Grands Prix have been neutralized by either the Safety Car or a red flag, and the chaotic nature of Interlagos further enhances Lawson's prospects.
He finished seventh in last year's Sao Paulo Grand Prix and ninth in 2024, one of two points finishes that season, so take him at a big price for a strong finish.
Gabriel Bortoleto to finish in the points (+200)
Gabriel Bortoleto had high hopes as he went into his first-ever home Grand Prix last season, but the Brazilian endured a torrid weekend which culminated in him crashing out on the opening lap.
However, the 22-year-old Audi man has come a long way since then and looks a good-value option to claim points in front of a raucous home crowd.
He matched Audi's best finish of the season last weekend as he finished eighth in the Mexico City Grand Prix and the car is clearly on the brink of regular top-10 finishes.
The lead Audi driver has finished 11th or better in each of the last 11 Grands Prix and, with only four points between them and Haas, every point is crucial in the battle for seventh place.
Rafael Camara's introduction at Haas means that Bortoleto will not be the only Brazilian on the grid but, with Camara making his debut this weekend, the Audi man appears the most likely home favourite to add to his tally.
Sao Paulo Grand Prix outright odds
Max Verstappen (Red Bull) | +130 |
Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) | +225 |
Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) | +700 |
Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) | +800 |
Lando Norris (McLaren) | +1200 |
George Russell (Mercedes) | +1400 |
Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) | +1800 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
