The Brazilian Grand Prix weekend at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace in São Paulo has commenced with significant team discussions and on-track incidents during Friday’s free practice sessions. Ferrari drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc held a meeting to address recent frustrations, while Max Verstappen voiced strong criticism regarding Lance Stroll’s conduct during Free Practice 1. The 20th round of the 2026 Formula 1 season continues today with Free Practice 3 and Qualifying.
The Ferrari team meeting on Thursday involved Hamilton, Leclerc, and Team Principal Fred Vasseur. This discussion was prompted by an incident at the preceding Mexico City Grand Prix, where an aggressive manoeuvre by Leclerc on Hamilton during the opening lap led to both cars running wide.
Hamilton publicly expressed his dissatisfaction following the Mexico race, stating he was “really pied” and that the team faced “big problems” due to the lost opportunity for a one-two finish. Leclerc received a five-second time penalty for cutting the track.
Leclerc confirmed that the meeting served to air frustrations and that the matter is now considered settled. He stated, “I think discussing whatever is left, or whatever frustration is left, was needed. Now I feel it’s fully settled, and I don’t think we should be speaking about it too much going forward.”
Vasseur affirmed that the drivers are now fully aware of their “guidelines” and must maintain respect for each other and the Ferrari brand. Hamilton had previously emphasised the importance of establishing clear “rules of engagement” for Ferrari’s 2027 title aspirations.
Separately, Max Verstappen expressed his displeasure with Lance Stroll during the first free practice session. The incident occurred after the chequered flag, when drivers typically perform practice launch starts from the grid.
Stroll appeared to overtake Verstappen as the Red Bull driver was preparing for a practice start, a move that violated an unwritten “gentlemen’s agreement” among drivers. Verstappen communicated his frustration over team radio, asking, “What is that Aston doing? He’s just overtaking.”
During Free Practice 1 for the São Paulo Grand Prix, Lando Norris set the fastest time for McLaren with a 1:11.717. Kimi Antonelli, the 2026 World Champion, placed second for Mercedes, 0.082 seconds behind. Max Verstappen secured third position for Red Bull, 0.236 seconds off the pace.
Lewis Hamilton finished FP1 in fourth for Ferrari, followed by George Russell in fifth for Mercedes. Isack Hadjar (Red Bull), Gabriele Mini (Alpine), Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi), Franco Colapinto (Alpine), and Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) completed the top ten.
In Free Practice 2, Kimi Antonelli topped the session for Mercedes with a lap of 1:10.763. Lando Norris was second for McLaren, 0.253 seconds adrift, with Max Verstappen again in third, 0.259 seconds behind Antonelli.
George Russell took fourth for Mercedes, and Oscar Piastri was fifth for McLaren. Lewis Hamilton finished sixth for Ferrari, with Charles Leclerc, returning to the cockpit after sitting out FP1, in seventh. Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi), Isack Hadjar (Red Bull), and Oliver Bearman (Haas) rounded out the top ten.
Leclerc’s absence from FP1 was due to the recent birth of his daughter, Bianca, on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Ferrari reserve driver Dino Beganovic drove in his place, fulfilling rookie driver regulations.
The focus now shifts to Free Practice 3 and the crucial Qualifying session, both scheduled for later today at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace.
