Kimi Antonelli takes the crown, but who takes P2? Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, Geroge Russell and Charles Leclerc prepare for the Interlagos race

ByTech Word News

Kimi Antonelli has conquered Formula 1, but the fight for the next biggest prize is far from over. With the 2026 drivers’ championship already decided, attention will shift to an intriguing four-way battle for second place when Formula 1 arrives at Interlagos for Sunday’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix.Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, George Russell and Charles Leclerc are separated by just 16 points with four races remaining in the season. Verstappen holds the lead but Hamilton is breathing down his neck while Russell and Leclerc remain firmly within range. And with Interlagos known for its unpredictable weather, dramatic overtaking and late-race twists, the battle for P2 in Brazil could take another fascinating turn.But there’s another twist: all four contestants will start outside the top six after a series of penalties. Verstappen and Hamilton will start from the back of the grid, while Leclerc and Russell have also been moved down the order. What could have been a straightforward battle for championship points has now turned into a major revival challenge.

F1 Drivers’ Championship standings: Who leads the battle for P2?

Antonelli is already crowned world champion after securing the title at the Mexico City Grand Prix, and the focus remains on who finishes behind the Italian.This is how the four competitors stand on the way to GP Sao Paulo:PositionDriverTeamPointsGap to P22Max VerstappenRed Bull261—3Lewis HamiltonFerrari25924George RussellMercedes250115Charles LeclercFerrari24516Verstappen leads Hamilton by just two points, while Russell is 11 behind the Dutchman and Leclerc by 16. With 100 points still up for grabs in the final four rounds before Sunday’s race, none of the four can afford a bad weekend.The battle is particularly interesting as Verstappen and Russell each have three wins this season, while Hamilton and Leclerc have one each. If drivers finish the level in points, the number of wins becomes the first tie.

Max Verstappen: Can the Red Bull star defend second place?

Verstappen enters the weekend in Sao Paulo as favorite for second, but his position is far from certain. The four-time world champion has 261 points, just two more than Hamilton, and knows that even a small slip could cost him second place.The Dutchman has enjoyed strong form, winning three of his last four races, including the Mexico City Grand Prix. His ability to recover positions and get the most out of difficult situations makes him a serious threat despite his starting position. However, Verstappen faces a significant challenge at Interlagos after receiving a power unit penalty that pushed him to the back of the grid. He will need another exceptional recovery if he is to protect his championship lead.The Brazilian circuit has previously offered him the opportunity to produce memorable comeback performances. He won from 17th on the wet grid in 2024, while last year he started from the pit lane and finished third. That history will give Red Bull some encouragement, especially as rain threatens to affect Sunday’s race again.

Lewis Hamilton: The Ferrari star has a unique opportunity to take P2

Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton

Hamilton is just two points behind Verstappen, making the seven-time world champion the closest challenger in the race for second place.His first season at Ferrari had its ups and downs, but the Briton showed he can still fight at the front. His wins earlier in the campaign and recent performances have kept him firmly in contention.Hamilton also arrives at Interlagos with positive memories. The Brazilian circuit has witnessed some of the most memorable moments of his career, including his dramatic victory in 2021 and emotional celebrations in front of a passionate Brazilian crowd.However, his preparations were not easy. An engine problem during final practice, followed by a power unit penalty, saw him start from the back of the grid. A strong result could also see him move ahead of Verstappen in the championship standings.

George Russell: The Mercedes driver cannot afford another missed opportunity

Russell is third in the fight for P2 with 250 points, 11 behind Verstappen. While the gap is not insurmountable, the Mercedes driver needs a strong finish to the season to keep his hopes alive.The Briton has three wins this year, matching Verstappen, and has shown the pace needed to fight for the top positions. However, his recent performances have been mixed. His difficult outing in Mexico City, which included a first-lap pitting issue and a 10-second penalty, cost him valuable points.Russell qualified second at Interlagos, just 0.204 seconds behind pole-sitter Lando Norris. This performance initially put him in a strong position to challenge for victory, but a five-place grid penalty dropped him to seventh.Unlike Hamilton and Verstappen, Russell will not have to start from the back of the grid. However, he will need to step in immediately and take advantage of Mercedes’ pace if he is to close the gap.

Charles Leclerc: The Ferrari driver faces an uphill battle

Leclerc is fourth in the race for second place with 245 points, 16 behind Verstappen. While the gap is greater than its three rivals, Monaco remain mathematically in contention.The Ferrari driver has endured a frustrating campaign at times with missed opportunities and costly battles affecting his consistency. His clash with Hamilton during the Mexico City Grand Prix also drew attention, with Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur suggesting discussions would take place within the team. Leclerc qualified fourth at Interlagos, but a 10-place grid penalty means he will start 14th.That leaves him with a significant amount of work to do. Unlike Russell, who starts seventh, Leclerc will have to negotiate a crowded midfield before he can challenge for the leading positions. Ferrari’s race strategy and tire management will be key, especially if changing weather conditions create opportunities for an alternative approach.

Rain, penalties and Interlagos: Why GP Sao Paulo could change everything

The Sao Paulo Grand Prix has a reputation for producing unpredictable races and the 2026 edition could be no different.Saturday’s qualifying was heavily affected by rain, two red flags and a long delay disrupted the course of the race. Norris eventually secured the pole position with a lap of 1:27.470, beating Russell by 0.204 seconds.Grid penalties dramatically changed the starting order:

  • Lando Norris: Pole Position.
  • Kimi Antonelli: Second.
  • George Russell: Seventh after a five-place penalty.
  • Charles Leclerc: 14th after a 10-place penalty.
  • Lewis Hamilton: 20th after a power unit penalty.
  • Max Verstappen: 21st after a power-play penalty.