Lando Norris secured the fastest time in the opening practice session for the 2026 FIA Formula 1 São Paulo Grand Prix. The McLaren driver recorded a lap of 1:11.717 at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace on Friday.
Newly crowned World Champion Kimi Antonelli placed second for Mercedes, 0.082 seconds behind Norris. Max Verstappen completed the top three for Red Bull, 0.236 seconds off the leading pace.
McLaren introduced a four-part aerodynamic upgrade package for the Brazil Grand Prix. This included a redesigned front wing, a new rear wing assembly, an updated beam wing, and modifications to the floor.
The front wing design is a concept for the 2027 F1 season, aiming to improve airflow and overall aerodynamic performance. McLaren was the only team to bring upgrades to Interlagos.
Kimi Antonelli clinched the 2026 Formula 1 Drivers’ World Championship at the Mexico City Grand Prix on November 1. He secured the title by finishing third in that race.
At 20 years and 68 days old, Antonelli became the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history. This marked Mercedes’ first drivers’ championship since 2020.
George Russell will incur a five-place grid penalty for Sunday’s race. This is due to an internal combustion engine change, his sixth of the season.
Mercedes strategically chose the São Paulo Grand Prix for this penalty. Russell had previously taken a significant grid drop in Singapore.
Mercedes is in a position to secure the 2026 Constructors’ Championship this weekend. They need to outscore Ferrari by at least three points at Interlagos.
The team currently holds a 126-point lead over Ferrari. Mercedes also possesses a superior number of race victories, which would serve as a tie-breaker.
Charles Leclerc did not participate in FP1. Ferrari assigned his car to reserve driver Dino Beganovic as part of mandatory rookie-running requirements.
Leclerc also missed Thursday’s media duties following the birth of his daughter, Bianca, on November 3. He is expected to return for second practice.
Brazilian driver Rafael Câmara made his Formula 1 debut for Haas. He finished 18th in the session.
Câmara was promoted to a race seat for the São Paulo Grand Prix following Esteban Ocon’s early departure from Haas. Ocon’s exit stemmed from an internal incident in Mexico.
Esteban Ocon had previously confirmed his departure from Haas at the end of the 2026 season. His immediate removal from the team was announced on November 3.
Câmara received a reprimand in second practice for impeding Charles Leclerc. This incident was deemed ‘clearly dangerous’ by the stewards.
Six rookie drivers participated in the opening practice session. Freddie Slater, driving for Audi, caused an early red flag after his car stopped on track.
Slater’s appearance marked his second FP1 outing, having also driven in Mexico. Gabriele Minì impressed with a seventh-place finish for Alpine.
Colton Herta, driving for Cadillac, finished 20th. He requires one more Super Licence point to be eligible for a 2027 F1 seat.
The full top 10 results for Free Practice 1 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 Minì (Alpine) +0.852s 8. Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi) +0.897s 9. Franco Colapinto (Alpine) +0.937s 10. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) +0.998s
