PART ONE – Rafael CÂMARA (Haas), Gabriel BORTOLETO (Audi), Franco COLAPINTO (Alpine)
Q: Could we start with Formula 1’s newest driver, please? Congratulations, Rafa. You’re the 34th driver from Brazil to race in Formula 1. What a moment for you and for your family. Just describe what this means.
Rafael CÂMARA: Yeah, obviously very happy. I think it was a very special… Great start, sorry! But yeah, it’s been very nice to be here and just really trying to enjoy the moment. There will be a lot of things going on this weekend, but I think I’m just really looking forward to driving and getting in the car, just to enjoy. I think I would never expect to do a first race here in Brazil in Formula 1. We know that it’s almost at the end of the season, so you would not really expect to be doing your first race here. So just really excited to start this weekend and to see how it’ll be.
Q: Tell us a little bit more about racing in Brazil for the first time. Have you even done any racing here at Interlagos?
RC: No, it’ll be the first time driving here, so that will be nice, especially in a Formula 1 car. But yeah, it’s been quite a long time since I’ve been racing here. I think last time was in karting in São Paulo. I think it was a Brazilian championship, but yeah, just very nice to be back with a Formula 1 car at Interlagos and just doing my debut. It will be very, very nice. It will be very fun.
Q: And Rafa, tell us a little bit more about your preparation for this. You’ve obviously been on the simulator, am I right?
RC: Yeah, I mean, preparation was not the normal one, let’s say. Not because I was already here in Brazil when I got the news. I did a bit with Ferrari to prepare for FP1 and to know a bit of the track, as it’s a track that I’ve never really been here before. But yeah, it’s been okay. You have three sessions, FP1, FP2 and FP3, so there’s a good time to understand things, to adapt and learn, and to make sure that you are in a comfortable place for quali.
Q: And what goals have you set yourself for the weekend?
RC: Yeah, I think in the end, just really trying to learn as much as I can this weekend. Obviously, it will be the first time at the circuit. There’s a lot of things to just understand and go through the post-process, so I think really just trying to enjoy and make the most of the situation.
Q: Thank you, Rafa, and best of luck. Well done, Gabi. If we could come to you, this is the first time we’ve had two Brazilian drivers on the grid since 2016. Can we start by getting your reaction to the news that Rafa’s on the grid with you this weekend?
Gabriel BORTOLETO: I just… The thing is, I knew this was going to happen, so when I heard the news, I was obviously happy for him because, you know, I said it many times already this week, but he fully deserves it. You know, Rafa and I, we know each other since we are probably eight, something like this, and he’s a great guy. He’s very talented. He won F3. He’s now probably going to win F2. He’s leading the championship, so, you know, it’s fully deserved to be in Formula 1. And there’s no better way to enter F1 when you have this curriculum. And yeah, I mean, I just wish for him that he has a good weekend at home. He’s obviously jumping straight away into the São Paulo Grand Prix. It’s not an easy task, you know. It’s a lot of attention, a lot of expectations on your shoulders. But from his side, you know, he’s never been in the car, so he just needs to enjoy and have the best time. But I’m sure he’s going to do this well. He was always very good at doing that, so yeah, I’m happy and hopefully we have more press conferences as three together because it’s going to be fun.
Q: And tell us a little bit about what it means to be racing at home for you for the second time.
GB: Yeah, it means a lot, especially after last year. For me, it was obviously not the ideal year, you know. Sorry, race, because obviously my crash was very big here. And yeah, first time at home, you have a crash like that, it’s never good, also in front of my whole country. But this year, you know, it’s different. I’m coming with a new project, obviously same team but different names and power unit, car, and, you know, it’s been a very good year so far. We have been delivering very good results and I just want to enjoy home, you know, enjoy a new weekend in Brazil and hopefully be able to drive in front of my country a little bit more than I did last year.
Q: And in terms of performance, what do you think you and Audi can deliver this weekend?
GB: Well, actually, right now we are in the chase for Haas in the championship. We managed to reduce the points gap between us and them after Mexico points, and, you know, our goal is obviously to score points. But, you know, Interlagos, everything can happen. The weather can be crazy, so we are going to be chasing for that goal. The goal is clear, so let’s see what we can achieve.
Q: All right, good luck with that. Thank you very much, Gabi. And Franco, let’s come to you now. This is the closest thing to a home race for you. Just how much support are you expecting this weekend?
Franco COLAPINTO: Well, expecting a lot. I think generally São Paulo is a track and a place that I enjoy driving. It’s a track that is amazing. The history of the sport in Brazil and the history of this track, it’s something else. So I always enjoy coming here. It’s, you know, one of the races that I’m waiting for the most since the year starts. So generally, I’m very happy to be here. I know the effort that the fans are putting in, you know, to come and ride, to race, to enjoy and support me. I’m always going to be very grateful for it. And hopefully we can give them something nice to cheer for and we can have some good result for them.
Q: Well, in terms of pace, you were very quick in the race in Mexico on Sunday. What do you think you and Alpine can deliver here at Interlagos?
FC: I think we can have a good race, a good weekend. We are going to target to score points as well. Hopefully we can do one position better than 2024. That will be enough. That will be tricky, but we’ll try. And yeah, everything that happens here in Brazil, you know, with the rain, always brings, I think, new opportunities for us, and we are going to try to deliver a good result for every fan coming from Argentina and for the team that is doing a big effort to keep scoring points.
Q: Okay, thanks, Franco. Look, final one from me to you, Franco. The FIA has just revised its online abuse guidelines and, given the recent increase in online abuse, can you give us your reaction to the work done by the FIA in this area?
FC: It’s great. I think, you know, I’ve been fighting really hard against it this year and I don’t want to talk a lot more about it. I talked enough, I think. But generally, it’s an area that we have to keep improving as a community, as a sport, in every area, you know, in the world. We need to keep an eye on it and keep, of course, understanding how we can improve it and, yeah, just not let it rest. We have to be very proactive in the things that we are doing. Me, with the team, with Alpine and everyone in the paddock, we’ve been fighting really hard against it. Everyone should do so. Yeah, let’s hope we can keep improving the situation.
Q: Thanks. Gabi, can I just bring you in on this and the FIA’s revision to its online abuse guidelines?
GB: Yeah, I think the FIA has been doing a very good job on that. And again, I think Franco has been a little bit more openly vocal about it, and I think it’s important to be open to constructive criticism because that’s okay. We are in a free world. We can listen to opinions, but they need to be constructive. They cannot be threatening. They cannot be judging in a negative way because I’m sure these people wouldn’t have the balls to do that looking into my eyes or looking into his eyes or anyone’s eyes, you know. They do this because they are behind the screen. So, you know, I’m happy if someone wants to come to my face and say something, you know, then it’s a different topic. But online abuse, it’s for cowards, and I’m sure that the FIA has been taking care of this in a very good way. They have been proactive. We have been talking a lot also between the drivers, and I see a lot of progress on that. So hopefully we can keep improving in that sense.
QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR
Q: (David Croft – Sky Sports F1) Franco, Gabi, well said. Congratulations, Rafael. Welcome to Formula One. Gabi says you’re going to win the F2 championship this year. Is he right? Are you going to be competing for the rest of the season in F2? Is this just a one-off, or will you be seeing out the season in Formula 1?
RC: I think that’s something that we’ll be discussing, I think, after the weekend, to prepare how the future will be. But yeah, I think I don’t really discuss that at the moment, so just make sure that I’m doing a great job this weekend, and then after that we see what will happen. But yeah, I don’t predict the future. Let’s see what will happen.
FC: It would be really fun to do F2 and F1 at the same time, no? You can do the same weekend, both? Do F2 quali, you jump in F1.
RC: Maybe we can put them on the same grid.
FC: Jim Clark won both in the same year. That was in… When? But it’s the same, a little bit?
RC: Yeah, it’s fine.
Q: (David Croft – Sky Sports F1) Okay, in which case, we’ve got to ask: would you be up for F2 and F1 in the same weekend? Can you do that?
RC: We can put them in at the same time, no? Both cars?
Q: (Raphael Sampt – Servus TV) Picking up on that question from David. Rafael, if the team asked you to finish up the season in Formula 1, would you sacrifice a possible Formula 2 title?
RC: Yeah, like I said, I think this is something that still needs to be discussed, and obviously we didn’t do this at the moment. So yeah, just trying to finish the weekend with everything clean, and then after that we see what will happen for the next days or weeks.
Q: (Craig Slater – Sky Sports UK) Just to try and put a full stop on this one, and to Gabi, you’ve obviously won F2. Was it more beneficial for you, do you think, to have that title against your name or to complete a couple of rounds and get the experience in F1 before the season ends?
GB: It’s a good question because obviously I was not in the same situation as Rafa. I think, you know, having a title like F2 to your name, and F3, especially when you know that only a few drivers have done it in the first year, it’s something that you’re very proud to have. I know racing in F1 is important, but if you already have a contract signed for next season, that is his case, and I had it as well when I was still on the charge for my championship, I think having the F2 title is cool. So, I’m happy that I stuck to F2 and I did my F2 thing. I won the title and now I can look back and be like, okay, I’m an F3 champion, I’m an F2 champion and now I’m in F1. And you have your time to learn, obviously. You want to go to your first season in F1 with the most knowledge possible to not make mistakes, or make the least mistakes possible. But, you know, I think there is no real pressure, where you that you need to perform this race or you are out. That’s not the situation. That was not my situation, so yeah.
Q: (Kriya Gangiah – Supersport) This one is for Rafa and Gabi. Since you guys are such good friends, have you exchanged some advice between the two of you going into the race this weekend?
RC: I think we didn’t speak about anything yet. Just saw Gabi now, and I think he’s been…
Q: (Kriya Gangiah – Supersport) Do you have any advice for him?
GB: Me? Do you know how old I am? Someone actually today called me a veteran. They were like, “You are in your second season in F1, you are a veteran.” I was like, “What? Second year, I’m a veteran? My God!” I don’t have any advice. He’s a very good driver. He knows what he needs to do. I just told him, “Enjoy. It’s your first home race.” That’s the only thing I can say. I’m still trying to learn what I need to do!
Q: (Breno Peçanha – Globo TV) Question for Gabi. Gabi, you were the only Brazilian driver for almost two years. Do you think it was a lonely place for you in some way, and how does it change for Brazil and for you with Rafa arriving?
GB: I mean, I wouldn’t say it was a lonely place. You know, there are 21 other drivers. I mean, they are not from the same country as I am, but, you know, I think it’s fun when you have some other guys that you have been racing your whole life. I’ve raced Franco most of my life and other drivers on the grid, so we had good relationships. It’s not that I was in a place that there was only me…
FC: So lonely…
GB: Ha! We are so lonely, yeah, it’s sad. But I think, answering in a different way, I think it’s very good that Rafa is in F1 because, again, it’s someone that deserves to be in F1. And I think F1 is about having the most talented drivers and people on the grid, so I think he deserves to be here, in my point of view. And it’s good to have other Brazilians, someone that I can talk about things as well, that will understand my world in F1. So yeah, it’s cool.
Q: (Rodrigo França – Car Magazine Brazil) Question to the three of you, starting with you, Gabriel. Having in your helmet the homage to Ayrton Senna, winning in ’91, and I know you are all Ayrton Senna fans and you watched this race on YouTube and all the images when you were a kid. But now you are an F1 driver, how difficult would it be for Senna to win that race stuck in sixth gear, and how can you describe that emotion that you can feel, for example, in the future?
GB: Yeah, I decided to make this helmet, you know. I used the Brazilian colours the whole year, you know, being green, blue and yellow, but I said, let’s make something different for this year, you know, that runs completely out of what I’m normally used to have. So, we made this white helmet. I must be honest, I am not the type of guy that spends so much time looking at the design of things. It’s not really my thing. They just show me and I really liked it. And we wanted, you know, the only thing I told them is, “I want to make a tribute to Senna,” you know, this great race he did 35 years ago. And yeah, again, he’s my idol. I grew up listening about him at home. My father was one of his biggest fans for sure, and when you hear about someone every day in your place, you know, he becomes like a hero to you. And yeah, what can I say? I decided to put him on the helmet with the famous picture of him lifting the trophy, so it’s very nice and hopefully brings me luck for this weekend.
Q: Rafa, please, have you watched that race of Senna’s from 1991, when he was stuck in sixth gear? What do you make of it?
RC: Yeah, I mean, I didn’t watch the whole thing, but yeah, I don’t know how he did that. I think that would be quite tough. And yeah, just really amazing what he did. And I think it’s been about this his whole career. I think he has been able to do a lot of amazing things that no one really knows how to explain for that time. And yeah, I’m someone that has always been looking to him and for sure was something that always inspired me. And yeah, I think it’s just super nice to have someone that you can see, you can read, you can learn also from him and try to put it in your way, in place, and your work to adapt yourself to maybe try to be something closer to what he had been.
FC: Yeah, I mean, Ayrton was a big, big inspiration for me since I was very young and I started following the sport and following Formula 1. He was the one I started with, you know, and he was a very big inspiration. My first coach, you know, he has him tattooed on his skin. He’s a big part of our life in Argentina as well, and the way he made it to the sport, how successful he was, and not just in the sport but how he dealt with the situations in the world at that time was something very special and very unique that not many drivers are able to do nowadays. And I’m just, you know, glad that he was from Brazil, so close to us. And when I grew up learning about him, about his story, his books, his movies, watching him race in the past, it was extremely cool. A very inspirational story and, yeah, someone I always followed. And he was my big hero since I’m very, very young. So yeah, big star in the sport and, of course, from Brazil, but very, very unique to be racing here where he left home and so many nice stories.
Q: (Sergio Stuart – Diario Olê) To Franco, what do you remember about your feelings when you were in Rafa’s position? And also, I want to know if he is now in the WhatsApp group of drivers, or what does he need to get in?
FC: Yeah, you should… You are not already in it? Mate, we need to get on that. We need to ask them after this. After this, you will be on. I think you’re not losing much, though. It’s not like… Not losing a lot to know in the group. So, I haven’t been in his position. I haven’t done my first race in Argentina… or in the wet. He’s in a situation to enjoy and have fun and be relaxed. Try to be relaxed. I don’t know how he’s going to do that, but at least it’s not a Sprint weekend anymore this year. But it’s amazing, you know. He really deserves it. He’s a driver that showed in the previous categories what he can do and that he really deserves to be here racing in Formula 1. And again, as Gabi said, you know, it’s about finding the best talents in the world and putting them in an F1 car. And he really deserves this situation, to be in this race, to be racing for Haas. And yeah, hopefully he can do his best and have fun. You know, I came into F1 thinking a similar way. They told me on Wednesday that I was racing at Monza. I hadn’t had any mileage in a Formula 1 car, and finally I was racing in Williams. So, it was a very tricky moment, but it’s kind of better to not have those months and months of thinking that you’re on a race and just getting thrown into a seat and getting on with it. So, it’s a similar experience, probably, but one to definitely enjoy. And it’s going to make him stronger for next year, you know. It’s important to learn from this and be ready for 2027.
Q: (Vicente Soella – Grande Prêmio) A question for all of you. It’s amazing to see three drivers from South America get to Formula One, and you know how hard it is to happen. And you are all talented drivers. How do you think this can happen to open doors for drivers from Brazil, Argentina and other countries to get to Formula One in the future? Thank you.
GB: I think it’s actually a miracle that, with everything we are going through right now, well, in many, many years now in Brazil, we are able to have two drivers, to be honest. It has been more and more expensive to race in motorsports, not due to Brazil, due to how expensive motorsports is becoming in Formula 2, Formula 2 and all the other series, karting. And I think it’s extremely important to have young-generation drivers like me, Franco, Rafa because, you know, especially for countries like ours, I would say it’s important to not have only… First of all, Senna, biggest of all time, but unfortunately, he hasn’t been able to be with us for many, many years. And we need still to continue to have, even if we are not really winning right now, at least competing in Formula 1 and bringing our flag there, showing to the young generation that, you know, even with all the difficulties of our countries and everything, we can still make it to the top level of a sport. And, you know, I see many young drivers that sometimes I go to a go-karting track and they are super kind to me and ask for pictures, ask for advice. You know, they are six- or seven-year-olds, and it’s super cool to see that they are willing to one day get to Formula 1 and they want to drive because they watch all this new generation of Formula 1 drivers on the TV. So hopefully we are able somehow to inspire them to push and try to get to Formula 1. And hopefully this sport can become more accessible as well in the future, and more sponsors, because being two Brazilians now in Formula 1, I think more companies from Brazil are willing to invest in young-generation drivers, to put them in the series and race and try to bring them to Formula 1. So yeah, I think that’s my view of it.
RC: Yeah, I think Gabi said pretty much a lot of things, but yeah, I think it’s nice to be here and show that, to inspire them to follow. I think in life, especially whatever you do, if you love what you’re doing, I think somehow you can make it work. So, I think it’s nice to be in this position and hopefully we can inspire them to follow their dreams and maybe one day there can be other drivers who will be here from South America. So, it’s nice to be in this position and yeah, just hopefully to see more coming through the junior categories and then hopefully make it to F1 as well.
FC: Yeah, I think especially to be able to inspire young kids and to be able to show that it’s possible. When I was young, everyone was telling me that it was impossible to get to Formula 1, that you need so much money, that you need so many resources, that it’s extremely difficult from where we are to get to the sport. And it’s a lot of sacrifices, not only from us but from many people that support us and that are around our lives, to be able to arrive at the top of this sport. And it’s extremely difficult. But nowadays, I think showing that we are four Latin Americans in Formula 1 is something to be very proud of and very honoured, of course, to be one of them. And personally, very grateful, very happy with the support I have, but especially to be able to inspire the young kids, to see them enjoying what we do, to see them that just for being one minute or two with them, you change their lives, you know. And that’s something very unique. I remember when I was a young boy, I was so embarrassed and I looked at any driver and I was like, “Oh, I want a picture,” and I was so embarrassed to go. And when you kind of remember what it meant to you to see them, it’s very easy, you know, to give them something back. And I think when you see how much it grew in our countries, Formula One in the last few years, and how much people are learning about it, how many new fans are getting involved in it, it’s something that is clear that is getting bigger. Hopefully an F1 race in Argentina very soon as well, and it’s getting bigger and bigger, you know, the sport in our countries. And that’s something very important to keep evolving, keep making it more open for the sport, for these young kids that are dreaming of being here one day. And as Gabi said, you know, the sponsors keep investing, keep making it interesting for them to be here and to support the young kids. It is really extremely difficult to get even into Formula 4, Formula 3, Formula 2 nowadays, so we have to keep pushing it forward. I think there’s a lot of talent in these countries for it to happen.
Q: (Gustavo Faldon – Estadão de São Paulo) My question goes out to Gabi. Gabi, last year the weekend wasn’t in your favour. Things didn’t go your way, but what was the main thing that you take back from last year’s São Paulo Grand Prix to this year that you believe was the main thing that you learned through this process?
GB: I think probably dealing with my emotions when racing in my country because, yeah, normally I’m quite okay at doing that. But, you know, you race all over the world, but you don’t really race in front of hundreds of thousands of Brazilians that are watching you at the racetrack. And yeah, it just hits different when you are driving there. I didn’t expect that, but I think, you know, my emotions maybe took over a little bit too much last year, and some actions I took, some things I’ve tried maybe didn’t work. And yeah, I obviously had my incident and ended up a bit shortly my weekend because I couldn’t do quali, and then in the race ended up touching with Lance in the first lap. So I didn’t have much running in São Paulo last year, but lesson learned and hopefully this year I can do a bit more and enjoy a bit more as well somehow.
Q: (Anna Carolina Ramos – Lance) I’m standing up because I’m too short. I can’t see you. My question is to Rafa. You’ve driven a lot of types of cars since your karting and Formula career, but it’s the first time you’re racing in the 2026 car from Haas. What are your expectations? Are there some surprises or some difficulties you’re expecting to see during the weekend?
RC: Yeah, I think definitely it will not be an easy weekend. I think there will be a lot of things to learn and to adapt. Probably I can give you a bit more information after FP1, but I think it will be a weekend where I was just trying to really focus on things that I can control, focus on my job and really just trying to grow up in the weekend. So it’s true that I will be racing here in Brazil and there will be a lot of fun, there will be a lot of things going on, but I think I just really see that more as a positive thing, so I can have more energy for pushing more and make sure that I’m doing everything that I can to do a good weekend. In the end, obviously, I don’t want to create a lot of expectations, but I just want to finish the weekend happy with myself.
PART TWO – Max VERSTAPPEN (Red Bull Racing), Arvid LINDBLAD (Racing Bulls), Fernando ALONSO (Aston Martin)
Q: Fernando, why don’t we start with you this time? You clinched both of your World Titles here at Interlagos and you finished on the podium nine times. Is it a very special racetrack for you?
Fernando ALONSO: Yeah, it is. It is obviously good memories from here and, yeah, always provides some action on Sunday. This layout, and we used to have sprint races, sprint format, in the last few years, but not this year, so it’s going to feel a little bit different. More time to practise and to set up the car, and let’s see what we can do.
Q: Fernando, tell us a little bit more about the car. It showed promise in Mexico until it counted. Just what are you expecting from it this weekend?
FA: Yeah, I have to say that lately we’ve been more competitive. I think from since Japan, probably. Japan was a very good weekend, Singapore a little bit more difficult, but still a little bit better than the first part of the year for sure. Austin was very strong the whole weekend, even with a car that was damaged in the race, we were still competitive. And then, as you said, in Mexico I think we found a good surprise in terms of performance, but reliability was not enough in Mexico. Hopefully we fix things here. It’s a less demanding circuit, obviously, with altitude and things like that. So yes, if we keep the trend, the momentum in the chassis and on the performance around the corners, hopefully we can have a competitive weekend and, more importantly, finish the race on Sunday.
Q: What does a competitive weekend look like for you?
FA: I think at this moment in time in the year, when the cars are stable in terms of performance and upgrades, I think to be around P12, P13, P14, that’s more or less a competitive weekend for us. And if you race around those positions and you start around those positions, I think points are possible because we saw in Mexico last week as well. I think Rio was around our place or behind our pace the whole weekend, and you still score points if you are around those positions. So that’s how we need to score points this year, being in the right place at the right time. And to do so, you need to be always, you know, close to the top of the midfield if you want to achieve that.
Q: Now, can we talk about 400? Fernando, Lewis Hamilton starts his 400th race this weekend as the founder and president of the 400 Club. Do you welcome another member?
FA: Yes, of course. I think, yes, it’s a big number. More and more drivers, I think, will join the club with these very long calendars. I think if you race 10 years now, you are more than 250. But yes, Lewis obviously has had an incredible career in Formula One and 400 races, all of them in a very competitive position. Congratulations to him and hopefully a good race and good weekend for him.
Q: Alright, Fernando, thank you very much for that. Arvid, why don’t we come to you next? First time in Brazil, first time at Interlagos as well. Just how are you finding the whole experience so far?
Arvid LINDBLAD: Yeah, it’s very cool. I mean, it’s my first time here in Brazil, so very excited to be here. I think it’s a really cool country. I think the circuit as well is amazing. You know, it’s probably one of the ones I was most looking forward to this year. It’s a really exciting layout, but also just the opportunities, you know, with the weather, I think passing in the race, and I just think it’s a track with lots of opportunity. I’m just looking forward to that.
Q: Lots of murals of Ayrton Senna everywhere, not just at the racetrack but around São Paulo. Was he a hero of yours?
AL: I mean, for sure, as someone that, you know, I respected massively and looked up to somewhat. But also, at the same extent, he was quite a lot before my time, so all I know about him is kind of through some videos and stuff. So I wouldn’t say he was the main one I looked up to because I struggled to really appreciate how good he was because I wasn’t able to see him with my own eyes. But for sure, someone who changed the sport and was very impressive.
Q: Let’s talk about performance for you. It was a really good weekend in Mexico until, obviously, what happened with Oscar. What positives do you take from last weekend into this one?
AL: Yeah, a lot. I mean, I think I lost my rhythm a little bit after sort of Madrid and Baku, but I really tried to make an effort to get back on it. And I think Austin was a bit of a step forward, but then Mexico was another one, and it was just good again to feel like myself in the car and have that sort of flow and rhythm. So, I think for me, focused on trying to keep that going into this weekend. And yeah, I think the speed, that was the most important thing in Mexico, and I’m just happy that that was back.
Q: Thanks very much for that. Sure there’ll be more questions for you in a minute. And Max, let’s come to you now. So, Interlagos, you’ve won here three times. You’ve driven some spectacular races here as well. Can we start just by getting your thoughts on being back at this racetrack?
Max VERSTAPPEN: Yeah, it’s, I mean, like also like Fernando said, it’s a fantastic track, good for racing. Yeah, it has had its crazy races at times and, yeah, also for me, winning from starting up front or coming from the back with rain races and stuff. And it’s looking like again maybe a chance of rain around, so yeah, it’s exciting. I mean, I always love coming back to Brazil, also, of course, seeing part of my family here, extended family. So yeah, I enjoy my time here always.
Q: What is it about the layout of Interlagos that promotes this spectacular racing?
MV: I think it’s just the type of corners. You know, they are quite banked in places. You can do a few different lines, and then also the follow-up between the corners, with doing different lines, then maybe gives you an opportunity for the next corner. The degradation normally is quite high, which I think anyway promotes better racing when degradation is higher. So yeah, it’s just all those factors together, plus then, of course, if you have weather that comes into play, all those things, yeah, they help to create a bit of a spectacle.
Q: And how do you see the competitive order this weekend, Max?
MV: Difficult to say because I think the gaps are so tight up front that sometimes it also just comes down to nailing the set-up or deployment, all these kind of things. So yeah, we have to try and do that. The last few years, I think it has been a sprint event, so now I guess we have a little bit more time to set up the car. Might be good, might be bad, I don’t know, but we’ll just see how it goes.
QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR
Q: (Craig Slater – Sky Sports UK) Question for the two champions, Fernando and Max. Great scenes, lovely to see Kimi Antonelli crowned champion afterwards. His team boss, Toto Wolff, suggested it reflected a culture change in Formula One. He said that the notion of the win-at-all-costs, selfish, ruthless F1 driver had died. I don’t know, what do you make of that?
MV: I mean, everyone is entitled to their opinion, right? I have nothing else to say, really. Every person is different anyway. I think that’s what is good for Formula 1because if everyone has the same personality, it’s very boring.
Q: If it was closer, would he have had to be more ruthless or something?
MV: Maybe, maybe not. Who knows? It’s impossible to know, right?
Q: Come on, Fernando, give us a few thoughts.
FA: Nothing to add.
Q: (Bruna Parreira – Globo TV) My question is for the three of you. We have a rain forecast for this weekend and, in Malaysia, the cars had software issues in the rain. Are you guys concerned that the 2026 cars might experience further problems in these conditions this weekend?
MV: I installed antivirus on my car, so I’ll be fine.
FA: Hopefully not, because that is quite steep uphill, you know, after the last corner. So, if we have any problems, we will, you know, finish far away from the circuit. But I think problems were understood after Malaysia, so, you know, I hope everything is fixed.
AL: Yeah, I mean, let’s see. Hopefully they’re fixed.
MV: You’ll be on the same software, mate, so don’t worry!
Q: (David Croft – Sky Sports F1) Max, talking of issues, we often hear a lot of issues during practice sessions, during the race as well, shifts, downshifts, upshifts, and the radio as well. That doesn’t seem to be working on your car. I know we’re at the end of a triple header, but what have you been doing with Red Bull to try and make sure you don’t have these issues again? Because they seem to be coming back week after week for you.
MV: Well, the radio is, I think, a lot better. In Mexico, we were also trying some things, and it’s just a few tiny settings probably to still get right. But actually, the team was hearing me very well. Maybe everyone else not, but that’s actually fantastic, to be honest, so we should actually try and keep it that way. And with shifts or whatever that you hear me complain about, it’s just because I’m never satisfied, because I think always certain things can be better, and I always try to fine-tune or find improvements. So, if you hear it as complaining or whatever, it’s more for me to make sure that the team is always looking into details to try and find more lap time because I know there is more lap time in it.
Q: (Nqobile Mahlambi – Supersport) Max, you’ve gone from dominating championships to navigating a season where you’ve had to fight your way back towards the front. Now you’re sitting second in the standings despite the challenges earlier this year. What is it about your mentality that allows you to keep adapting and reinventing yourself competitively, both across different seasons but also within a single season? I mean, you also did it last year.
MV: Yeah, it’s a big surprise to be second, to be honest, in the championship, but we take it. I think, yeah, we had a lot of difficulties as a team in the beginning. The car was not where we wanted it to be. Probably also we still had to learn quite a bit from the power units, and I think we really learned a lot throughout the season. The car has naturally been a lot more competitive, of course, lately. I think from my side, it’s just you never really give up or, in terms of, like, you just never really settle for P6 or P7, right? Even when I was in that position or fighting the midfield, I was still trying to do the best that I could get out of the situation. But yes, sometimes that is a P6 when the car is not able to perform better. But then, yeah, once the car is in a better window, then you can fight further up front and eventually, of course, races. And actually, of course, when you win, you take points out of everyone else. So that’s been the scene a bit the last races, and I’m, of course, very happy with that. But it also shows that the team never gave up and they were really pushing to find these improvements and understand the difficulties. Yeah, I’m just happy that within a season we had such a big turnaround.
Q: (Raphael Sampt – Servus TV) Question for Max and Fernando. When Kimi won his first World Title last week, he experienced that there comes a lot of duties with it off track as well, a lot of attention, media duties. And when you think back to your first World Title, how overwhelming and maybe exhausting can it be to become World Champion?
FA: I need to think back!
MV: I was probably still drunk the next day, so it was quite okay, to be honest. Just going in a flow and, yeah, just go with it. I mean, it’s always very special, you know, when you win your first one. There are, of course, commitments the next day. Yeah, it’s not nice, but at the same time, you always dreamt of, of course, winning the championship, and that was the most important thing. If that’s one day extra of media the next day, whatever, I mean, just deal with it. Of course, probably a lot more people know him now. Probably he’s an even bigger hero in Italy, but that’s fine. I mean, he looks very normal and very humble, so I don’t think a lot will change for him.
FA: Yeah, it’s a nice thing, a nice problem to have for sure. But 20 years ago, I don’t think that we had the content that we need today and the team behind you. You win, you make the press conference, a little bit at home, back at home, visit the factory, say thanks to everyone at the factory. That was it back then.
Q: (Luis Alejo – ESPN) For the three drivers, what do you think about the number of races in a year and having so many consecutive weekends of races, especially in this part of the season? Arvid, why don’t we start with you?
AL: Yeah, it’s quite a few. It’s a bit more than I’m used to. Last year in F2 was 14, so it’s a bit more this year. And now, obviously, adding in the Bahrain, Malaysia GP, it’s going to be nine in 11 weeks, which is quite a lot. But also, at the same time, you know, I love driving. I love being in the car, so it’s okay. It’s a lot, I think.
MV: Even when I started in Formula One, it was like 17 or 18, 18 maybe. I don’t know. I mean, I guess when Fernando started it was 16, so it’s a lot more. I for sure wish that it was less than 24, but at the same time, of course, I understand the reasons behind why we are having 24 races. Unfortunately, my contract didn’t add in if it was 17, 18 or 24 in terms of payments, so that’s maybe something to look at! But yeah, the thing is, like, when I was 18, I was like, whatever, I’m going to race every single weekend. Now I do still race a lot, but of course, if you have a family as well at home, it’s more about just missing your family when you are away. And I know, of course, you can sometimes bring them over, but at the same time you’re working. It’s your work, so it’s not always very easy to then spend a lot of time together. So yeah, 24 is a lot, but it is what it is.
FA: Yes, same. Not really much to add. I think there are a lot, borderline to be too many, and maybe the calendar is not really efficient. So, to be in Brazil now and go back to Europe and in 10 days go to Vegas is a big thing for this part of the season. But the way it is, I don’t think there is a solution in place.
Q: (Alejandro Cisternas – El Mercurio) I have a question to Fernando. I want to know about your work with A14 Management. How involved are you in the process of the guidance or the mentorship of young drivers, considering especially how difficult, how expensive it is to climb the ladder? Also, a couple of weeks ago you announced an agreement with a driver from Chile. What are the chances for him and for other drivers thinking about 2027?
FA: Well, I think I’m very involved. We are three in A14, and yeah, we try to help young drivers to find their way in motorsport, try to give the advice and the support they need, especially the transition from karting into the next series. Some of them have the goal to get into Formula 1. Some of them have the goal to become a 24 Hours of Le Mans winner, or some even rally drivers we have in the management. So yes, all of them need different things and they ask for different things. My role there is to obviously, from my experience, try to guide them and try to contact the teams or the people that I met throughout my career, and yeah, I think give the possibilities to follow their dream. Hopefully they have a successful career and they enjoy motorsport in the best way possible. Motorsport is very challenging, as you said. It’s a very competitive environment. To achieve your goals, you need luck, being in the right place at the right moment, economical support, team environment. Not every driver needs the same team. Young drivers from karting, they need to go to Formula 4. Some others need FRECA if they have a different level. Some of them, because of their character and their personality, they need a Spanish team or a team that has been successful in the previous year because they can cope with that pressure. Some others, they have the talent but they cannot be in a winning team because they will stress too much. So yes, that’s part of my job as well, and trying to understand what they need.
Q: (Jake Boxall-Legge – Motorsport.com) Question for Arvid, please. You spoke about rediscovering that flow state over the last few races as you’re coming to the end of your rookie season in Formula One. I guess you’ve got your eye on next year. Where would you say that you’ve made the most personal growth as a driver over 2026?
AL: I’ve learned a lot on many, many sides, you know, from obviously driving the car, but also, you know, working with the team, the way I approach the weekends mentally. I think that’s been quite a big thing for me. Obviously, in F2 and F3, it was always one practice session and straight into quali, so it was always just about getting on it as soon as possible. Whereas here, based on different circuits, the street circuit, normal circuit, sprint weekend or not, the way that I approach it is different. From a personal growth point of view, I don’t really know. That’s a bit of a deep question, but I think I’ve just learned on many sides, and also more about me and what helps me to be in a better frame of mind and stuff, which I think is normal. Still so early in my career, so yeah.
Q: (Gustavo Faldon – Estado de São Paulo newspaper) My question goes out to Fernando and Max. As two World Champions and two of the most experienced drivers on the grid right now, we are having the debut of Rafa Câmara for Austin. He leads the F2 championship. I wanted to know what you guys can say about him as experienced World Champions. Any advice for his first race at home?
FA: Enjoy. I think when you find yourself having your debut in F1 and in your home country, it can obviously be a lot of pressure and a lot of excitement at the same time. So I think the first thing is to enjoy and do your job behind the wheel. He has the talent. He has everything to succeed and everything to do well in Formula 1. So yeah, the important point is to start with the right foot and not have too much pressure. So that’s part of your job as well here, the media.
MV: Yeah, I mean, just enjoy the moment. I know, of course, probably in Brazil, it can be quite demanding as a driver. You have a lot of history, a lot of great World Champions. You want to have, of course, Brazilian drivers in Formula 1. But for him, you know, it’s quite nice. He’s, of course, racing next year. He now can start to understand the car already a little bit, work with the team, the engineers. But again, yeah, you shouldn’t put too much pressure on it. You know, just take it step by step. He has the talent. He has shown that, of course, in all the junior categories. But now it’s also up to him and, of course, the people around him and the team to manage that well, to get the most out of him in the coming years. And then, yeah, you might have another great Brazilian driver in Formula 1.
Q: (Caio Innocencio – UOL) This weekend we are in Brazil, and beyond F1, it’s the land of soccer. And I’d like to know if the three of you know some things here from Brazil. Max probably knows more, and if you have a favourite one?
MV: First of all, one big mistake already. You cannot call it soccer. Football. But do you mean locally, or a local club, or like in the Brazilian league? I mean, I like to watch football. I mean, I watch a lot of Premier League, La Liga. I love to watch, of course, the Champions League, the Dutch league for me naturally. So for here, from Brazil… I need to be careful now what I’m going to say. You know, I support the whole league. Yeah, probably that’s the best and safest answer.
AL: Yeah, I mean, I really like football, but I don’t know any teams from here, so like Max, just support the league, I guess.
FA: Yeah, that will be the best answer. All the clubs are very good.
Q: (David Croft – Sky Sports) There used to be a sport called Autoball where you played football with cars.
MV: You mean Rocket League? No, no, I like to play it on the game, but in real life, no, not with our cars. Everything falls off when you hit the ball.
Q: (Felipe Motta – Motorsport.com) Fernando, a question to Fernando and Max. Arvid was just asked about Senna, Rafa was here asked about Senna, and Gabriel as well, of course. Senna is a legend, but Brazil has three World Champions. Max mentioned his expanding family. Fernando, you beat the record of Emerson Fittipaldi, and he was the youngest for 33 years. So, I would like to know, from a foreigner’s point of view, if you understand the difference of Senna in comparison with Nelson and Emerson, because they are legends as well. And if you come here and just “Ayrton, Ayrton, Ayrton”, why do you think this happens?
FA: I don’t know, obviously. I don’t know. I think we respect Brazil because of the great champions, not only Senna. I think at least in my time, when I was on the edge of becoming a Formula One driver, I knew that Brazil was a very big country of champions, as you said. With Emerson, in Spain, Emerson is quite popular because we used to say when someone goes very fast to a place, “Where are you going, Fittipaldi?” It’s like, why are you going that fast? If you go to catch a train or whatever, “Where are you going that fast, Fittipaldi?” So Fittipaldi is always very well known in Spain. So, I think Nelson, obviously, and Ayrton… Ayrton, he had more charisma, the character. Maybe he had something different than the other champions. Not only the race wins, because they were maybe all of them, you know, Nelson, three-time World Champion and this, but Ayrton was connecting more with people. You know, and that’s something you have or you don’t. You can try as much as you want to connect with people, and sometimes you don’t achieve that because you are not natural, you are not yourself. You try too much to connect, and I think Ayrton didn’t need that. So probably that’s the difference.
MV: Yeah, all three, I think, very different personalities. All three of them have achieved a lot in the sport. Now, naturally, of course, Ayrton is also from São Paulo, so it’s normal that I think already the support probably is a bit bigger here. Like Fernando said, he probably connected more with people, but at the same time, sometimes personalities differ, right? Some people really want to connect, or it just naturally happens. Some people don’t really care to connect. I mean, I’m going to be honest with you, I also don’t really care because I like to win. I’m here to win. That’s my dream since I was a little kid. If I look back at my career, what do I care about? Is that I win as many races as possible, not that I was creating a connection with everyone. I mean, that’s nice. It’s a nice bonus, but my job is to win. That’s what I was practising from a young age. Now, of course, also the sad story is that he passed away, and that probably then, you know, the affection and the legacy starts sooner. Unfortunately, it’s very sad, but that’s how it is. Was he one of the best drivers ever? 100 per cent, yeah. And I think it’s very nice and special how people are remembering him and how much he meant to the Brazilian people. Yeah, but I think at the same time in Brazil you have had so many great drivers, right? So it’s just nice to honour everyone, respect everyone and look back at it with pride that they have achieved so much for the sport, because also they then, I think, inspired so many future drivers, young drivers, and they still do, I think, to this day, right? So yeah, it’s just great to see that you have had and still there are for sure more coming, you know, legends of the sport.
ENDS
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