Max Verstappen encountered technical difficulties during Friday’s practice sessions for the 2026 FIA Formula 1 São Paulo Grand Prix at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace. Despite finishing third in both Free Practice 1 and Free Practice 2, the Red Bull driver reported multiple car issues.
During Free Practice 1, Verstappen communicated over team radio about what he termed “unacceptable” downshifts. He also noted problems with his power steering system.
Verstappen later clarified that his radio comments stem from a pursuit of perfection. He stated these remarks are intended to ensure the team consistently focuses on details to extract maximum lap time.
The Dutchman explained that downshift inconsistencies can destabilise the car, particularly the rear. This directly impacts driver confidence and can compromise overall lap performance.
In Free Practice 2, Verstappen reported that his power unit was “adapting,” a comment he met with a half-joking query to his engineer. He concluded the session five minutes early.
This early exit was attributed to a recurrence of the steering issues experienced in Free Practice 1. Red Bull engineers were unable to resolve the problem quickly.
The 2026 season has presented Red Bull with an unsettled campaign, marked by intermittent hydraulic and software glitches on the RB22 chassis. The team currently sits sixth in the constructors’ standings after the initial rounds.
Red Bull has also faced persistent issues with unpredictable clutch delivery at race starts throughout the season. Verstappen previously joked about installing “antivirus” software on his car to mitigate software-related problems.
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, the newly crowned 2026 Formula 1 World Champion, demonstrated strong pace. He topped Free Practice 2 with a time of 1:10.763.
Antonelli secured his championship in Mexico City, becoming the youngest F1 World Champion in the sport’s history. His Mercedes W17 has been a competitive package this season.
McLaren’s Lando Norris led Free Practice 1 with a 1:11.717 lap. McLaren introduced several upgrades for the Brazilian Grand Prix, including a new front wing, modified floor furniture, and a beam wing.
The full results for Free Practice 1 at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace were as follows:
1. Lando Norris (McLaren) 1:11.717
2. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) +0.082s
3. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) +0.236s
4. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) +0.324s
5. George Russell (Mercedes) +0.386s
6. Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) +0.439s
7. Gabriele Mini (Alpine) +0.852s
8. Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi) +0.897s
9. Franco Colapinto (Alpine) +0.937s
10. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) +0.998s
The complete classification for Free Practice 2 was:
1. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) 1:10.763
2. Lando Norris (McLaren) +0.253s
3. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) +0.259s
4. George Russell (Mercedes) +0.273s
5. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) +0.321s
6. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) +0.450s
7. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) +0.720s
8. Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi) +1.017s
9. Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) +1.076s
10. Oliver Bearman (Haas) +1.228s
Red Bull will now focus on diagnosing and rectifying these recurring technical issues ahead of Saturday’s qualifying session.
