From a major announcement off-track to our first World Championship points since the summer break, it was another memorable few days in Brazil. Here’s our recap of a weekend that had it all.

The São Paulo Grand Prix has always been a race where anything can happen. Twelve months ago, it delivered our unforgettable double podium in the rain. Proof that Interlagos’ sweeping layout, unpredictable weather, and Sprint format offer many opportunities. This year was no different. From a major announcement off-track to our first World Championship points since the summer break, it was another memorable few days in Brazil. Here’s our recap of a weekend that had it all.

A date in history

Last Friday, November 7, 2025, was a special day for statisticians. By adding together 7/11/25 you reach the magic number of 43… race number for Franco Colapinto. It was on this date that we confirmed Franco would be staying with us for next season. In fact, we announced the news at exactly 10:43 local time, to signify his partnership with Pierre, pilot of the number 10 machine who committed his long-term future to the team back in September.

“I have always believed that Franco has the right attributes and potential to be a top driver who can grow with the team,” said Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore. “Our decision to continue together for 2026 is a clear indication of our commitment and strong support for Franco as he develops as a race driver. With Pierre and Franco, we have a blend of experience, speed and talent that will help drive the team forward and give our fans something to cheer.”

In anticipation of the announcement, we took Franco back to his roots and tapped in to an early passion of his… horses. At the stables located outside São Paulo at Condomínio Fazenda Boa Vista, Franco was back on a horse for the first time in a number of years for an in depth interview with Sky Sports F1. There Franco spoke of his early love for horse riding and showed off his impressive skills aboard Dustin, one of the local horses.

There was certainly plenty of support for Franco all weekend, as thousands of fans had made the short journey from Argentina and had stationed themselves in the grandstand opposite our garage - singing and chanting their support for the racer from Buenos Aires. He briefly disappointed the crowd when he was absent from the Fan Forum on Saturday morning. A security guard, wearing a wig and a dubious-looking moustache, then appeared on stage and took off his disguise. It was a surprise for all as Franco revealed his true identity! Pierre too received a great reception from the local crowd at a venue he loves – with his first podium in F1 coming at Interlagos in 2019 and, of course, that memorable visit to last year’s rostrum in the rain.

What a time to be alive

The nature of the Sprint format means the pressure is on right from the start of the weekend. But before climbing aboard his car on Friday morning, Pierre revealed a bright yellow helmet that had been designed by local artist Fernando Chamarelli in collaboration with Years of Culture. His special edition lid certainly brightened up the racetrack under the overcast skies.

The Autódromo José Carlos Pace is a circuit Pierre enjoys driving, and he immediately felt comfortable in the car in FP1. He was seventh fastest in the one-hour session on Friday morning and reported on team radio that the car “feels more alive” out on the twisting Interlagos course.

With a good feeling in the car and happy with the pace and overall performance, the Frenchman was hopeful of a good result in Sprint qualifying in the afternoon. He was able to progress from SQ1, but a spin for Charles Leclerc on his final run brought out the yellow flag and compromised Pierre’s lap.

Cheered on by his many fans in the grandstands around the track, Franco ran 30 laps on Friday morning as he acclimatised to the conditions. On his final run in SQ1, he put in a lap that was good enough for 15th - but he didn’t survive the drop as his time was eclipsed in the final seconds of the session.

A point to prove

Weather watchers were on high alert as a storm was forecast to hit São Paulo on Saturday morning. And despite the downpour, conditions were dry for the start of the Sprint race, although there were still damp patches around the Interlagos circuit. Both drivers made a great start off the line and each had climbed two places on the opening lap.

But on lap six, there was chaos at Turn 3, as a couple of drivers kicked up water that had accumulated in the kerb, and spun off the track. Franco too, was also unlucky, and was helpless to control his car as his dry tyres ran through the puddle. With three cars in the wall, a red flag brought the Sprint race to a halt as repairs were made to the barriers.

Pierre was running ninth for the restart and brilliantly overtook Lance Stroll’s Aston Martin into Turn 1 to secure eighth place - and a World Championship point. With just three hours before qualifying, the entire pit crew worked wonders to complete a full car rebuild for Franco. It was a superb achievement to have his car ready for qualifying - and Franco thanked every team member - although he struggled to progress from Q1 when out on track.

Buoyed by his point earlier in the day, and how comfortable he felt in the car, Pierre was on the pace in the qualifying hour, progressing to the top-ten shootout for the first time since Silverstone. It was an excellent lap, which was only a few hundredths of a top five grid position.

And another point to make

Once again, early morning rain cleared to leave a dry track for the São Paulo Grand Prix, which was preceded by another race in the Drivers’ Parade. Pierre, wearing a Brazilian football shirt with his number ten - and also that of the legendary Pelé - took to the driver’s seat in a mini 1930s-style hot rod. With Franco alongside him, the pair rocketed into an instant lead and kept ahead of the other nine machines to finish the parade lap at the head of the field. Two from two for Pierre, counting his win in the Miami Parade in the full-size LEGO car!

From P9, Pierre made another lightning start in the main event and avoided the chaos of the opening lap - and Safety Car restart - to run comfortably within the top ten in the early stages of the Grand Prix. Franco opted to run an alternate strategy and started in P16 on new Mediums before stopping on lap 29 for new Softs and again on lap 43 for a second set of Mediums. Struggling with higher than anticipated degradation he came home 15th.

Pierre also ran a two-stop strategy, stopping on laps 18 and 39 for Mediums, and in the closing stages was hunting down two cars who had one-stopped as the various different strategies converged. Running tenth, with P8 in his sights, Pierre was also conscious of the train of cars behind him. It was a wild finish as a whole queue of cars crossed the finish line after 71 frantic laps of racing.

“Pierre did an outstanding job to put himself in contention with a battling drive and one where he had to be strong in offence and resolute in defence, especially at the end of the race to cling onto that final point,” said Managing Director Steve Nielsen. Leaving Brazil, there’s a short break to regroup before the final triple-header of the year, starting with Las Vegas in a fortnight.

In memory of Louis Schweitzer

Finally, everyone at BWT Alpine Formula One Team were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Louis Schweitzer at the weekend. Louis was Chairman and CEO of Renault Group from 1992 to 2005. He was an inspiring and visionary leader in the automotive world and a strong supporter of Formula One. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this difficult time.