BWT Alpine Formula One Team arrives in São Paulo for the last round of the Americas triple header, at a circuit where it has scored more points than anywhere else since 2021. Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto are both looking for a better result after a pointless weekend in Mexico City. Academy driver Gabriele Minì will drive in the opening practice session again.

A circuit that has suited Alpine

The Autódromo José Carlos Pace, better known as Interlagos, hosts the São Paulo Grand Prix. The race closes the Americas triple header and gives Alpine a chance to return to a track where it has a strong record. According to the team, it has scored 64 points at Interlagos since 2021, more than at any other circuit in that period. It has also scored points at every race held there over the same stretch.

The venue also has personal meaning for the team. Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon finished on the podium together in 2024. Five years earlier, Gasly took his first Formula One podium at Interlagos, beating Lewis Hamilton in the run to the line.

A short, flowing lap in a natural bowl

The circuit lies in a natural bowl between two lakes, which is where the name Interlagos comes from. A lap opens with the ‘Senna-S’. It then runs through a flowing, technical middle sector before the banked final corner leads onto the climb to the finish line, with the grandstands around it.

Back to a conventional weekend format

São Paulo has held a Sprint weekend every year since 2021. This year it returns to the standard format with three practice sessions. Gabriele Minì made his practice debut in Mexico City and will drive the A526 again in Free Practice 1. This time the Alpine Academy driver takes Gasly’s car as part of the mandatory rookie programme.

Drivers look to bounce back from Mexico City

Gasly said power issues and a yellow flag infringement made Mexico City a disappointing weekend, but he believes Interlagos can produce surprises:

“The last few races have not been the easiest for us as a team, but this circuit has shown time and time again that anything can happen. It’s an iconic track and with such a short lap, the margins are really tight.”

He confirmed that he will sit out the first session as planned: “As planned, I’ll sit out Friday’s Free Practice 1 session to allow Gabriele [Mini] to get back behind the wheel and I’m looking forward to getting up to speed when I take over in the afternoon.”

Colapinto also left Mexico City without points but saw positives in the team’s race pace. “We would like to translate the race pace we showed in Mexico City to this weekend and wrap up the triple header with a strong result,” he said. He added that many Argentinian fans are expected to join the Brazilian crowd in the grandstands.

Minì said his main job is to gather useful data on a very different type of track: “I’ll be looking to complete some good laps around a very different track in Interlagos and provide valuable data and information that can help us moving forward, while also continuing to improve on my side.”

A milestone for Gasly

The São Paulo race will be Gasly’s 89th start for the team. That will tie him with Esteban Ocon for the most race starts by an Alpine driver.

Facts: Alpine at Interlagos

  • Points at Interlagos since 2021: 64, Alpine’s best tally at any circuit in that period
  • Points record: scored at every Interlagos race since 2021
  • Best recent result: double podium for Gasly and Ocon in 2024
  • Car: Alpine A526
  • Free Practice 1: Gabriele Minì in Gasly’s car (rookie programme)
  • Milestone: Gasly’s 89th Alpine start, equalling Ocon’s team record

The São Paulo Grand Prix is the final round of the Americas triple header.

Source: media.alpinecars.com