Kimi Antonelli demonstrated strong performance during Friday’s practice sessions for the Brazilian Grand Prix, as Mercedes aims to secure the 2026 Constructors’ Championship. The newly crowned Drivers’ World Champion was a prominent figure on the timesheets at Interlagos. The second free practice session commenced with variable track conditions.
In Free Practice 1, Lando Norris set the fastest lap for McLaren with a 1:11.717. Antonelli secured second place for Mercedes, just 0.082 seconds behind Norris. Max Verstappen completed the top three for Red Bull, 0.236 seconds off the pace.
Antonelli, who clinched his maiden Drivers’ World Championship in Mexico City, has been a consistent front-runner throughout the 2026 season. His success has been attributed to the Mercedes W17 car and his adaptable driving style.
Mercedes enters the São Paulo Grand Prix weekend with an opportunity to secure the Constructors’ Championship. The team holds a 126-point lead over Ferrari. Mercedes needs to outscore Ferrari by at least three points at Interlagos to claim the title.
The German manufacturer has accumulated 630 points this season, compared to Ferrari’s 504. Mercedes has also recorded 12 Grand Prix victories, while Ferrari has two. This superior win count would be decisive in the event of a points tie.
Max Verstappen expressed dissatisfaction with his Red Bull car during the initial practice. He reported issues with ‘unacceptable downshifts’ and a heavy steering feel. Verstappen finished third in Free Practice 1.
Red Bull currently has no plans for an engine change for Verstappen in Brazil. However, a grid penalty remains a possibility later in the season due to his power unit component usage.
Charles Leclerc returned to the cockpit for Free Practice 2 after missing the opening session. The Ferrari driver recently became a father, welcoming a daughter named Bianca on November 3, 2026.
Ferrari has shown a lack of outright speed in Brazil, with Leclerc’s teammate Lewis Hamilton finishing fourth in FP1. Tensions between the two Ferrari drivers were noted following an incident in Mexico.
Audi faced significant technical issues, preventing Nico Hülkenberg from participating in Free Practice 2. Rookie Freddie Slater, who drove Hülkenberg’s car in FP1, caused a red flag after his Audi stopped on track.
The Audi team has experienced recurring mechanical failures and engine problems throughout the 2026 season. These issues have limited their track time and performance.
Brazilian driver Rafael Câmara is making his Formula 1 race debut with Haas this weekend. He replaces Esteban Ocon for the remainder of the São Paulo Grand Prix.
Câmara, a Ferrari junior and current Formula 2 championship leader, was promoted earlier than his planned 2027 full-time debut. He has no prior F1 experience at the Interlagos circuit.
The weather forecast for the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend indicates changeable conditions. Friday’s practice sessions were largely cloudy with a low chance of isolated showers.
Saturday’s Free Practice 3 and qualifying sessions face a 50-60% chance of rain and thunderstorms. Sunday’s race could also be affected by heavy rain and cooler temperatures.
Interlagos is known for its challenging characteristics in wet conditions. The circuit’s elevation changes, varied corner speeds, and potential for uneven grip levels make tyre selection critical.
The top ten in Free Practice 1 were: Norris, Antonelli, Verstappen, Hamilton, Russell, Hadjar, Mini, Bortoleto, Colapinto, and Lawson.
