Norris leads Brazil FP1 as McLaren upgrade makes strong start

Lando Norris set the pace in opening practice at the São Paulo Grand Prix, giving McLaren an immediate return from its substantial upgrade package. The team was the only one to bring a major update to Interlagos, and Norris finished ahead of Kimi Antonelli.

Antonelli’s second place came at his first event since being crowned world champion at the Mexico City Grand Prix. Max Verstappen was third for Red Bull, but reported difficulties with his gear shifts and steering during the 60-minute session.

The result offers an early read on McLaren’s revised car, though practice alone leaves the weekend’s competitive picture open. Norris had approached the upgrades cautiously before Brazil, as explored in our report on McLaren’s São Paulo updates.

Rookie stand-ins reshape the practice order

Lewis Hamilton placed fourth for Ferrari, with George Russell fifth for Mercedes and Isack Hadjar next. Hamilton was among several full-time drivers whose usual team-mates were replaced for the session.

Dino Beganovic drove in place of Charles Leclerc, who arrived in Brazil late following the birth of his daughter. The rookie ended 21st after having to abandon a fast lap because of a car issue.

At Alpine, Gabriele Mini was the quickest rookie. He recorded a lap one-tenth faster than full-time driver Franco Colapinto, while local favourite Gabriel Bortoleto finished between the two Alpine drivers. Liam Lawson completed the top ten.

Stoppages interrupt rookie running

The session was important for Colton Herta, who completed 30 laps and secured enough points to obtain his F1 super licence. Rafael Camara, making his F1 debut with Haas, finished 18th.

Audi rookie Freddie Slater’s running ended after just seven laps. Standing in for Nico Hulkenberg, he pulled off the track after reporting a car problem, prompting an early red flag. Alex Albon also stopped with just under 20 minutes remaining, although his car was cleared with red-flag intervention.

McLaren’s update was the headline, but the session also delivered valuable mileage and a difficult start for several stand-ins. The team’s front-wing concept brought to São Paulo is another part of the upgrade story surrounding the weekend.