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Norris Sets Benchmark in Tight Opening Session
Lando Norris set the pace in opening practice for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, topping a closely contested session in an upgraded McLaren. Clocking a benchmark time of 1m11.717s on soft compound tyres, the McLaren driver finished 0.082s clear of Mercedes competitor Kimi Antonelli at the front of the timing screens. Max Verstappen was third, two tenths off the pace, with Lewis Hamilton fourth, another tenth further back.
Verstappen Reports RB22 Handling and Downshift Frustrations
Although narrow margins separated the front-running teams across the opening hour, Verstappen voiced intense frustration over team radio regarding persistent shortcomings with his RB22 machine. The Dutchman branded the car's downshifts unacceptable and subsequently notified engineers of a worrying steering defect, reporting that the wheel was becoming increasingly difficult to turn. The Dutchman will be hoping Red Bull can identify and resolve the issues before qualifying.
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Slater Stoppage and Turn 1 Braking Challenges
Turn 1 proved particularly unforgiving for the field throughout the morning, with numerous drivers locking up under braking. Track running was also halted only 12 minutes into the session when Audi's Freddie Slater stopped on circuit after communicating over team radio that the car had simply switched off. The resulting red flag compounded a troubled hour for Slater and Ferrari's Dino Beganovic, as mechanical setbacks prevented both from logging representative soft-tyre laps, leaving them at the foot of the classification order with seven and 11 laps respectively.
Mini Impresses as Rookies Complete Mileage
Friday running provided substantial rookie mileage as multiple squads ran young prospects during the first practice hour. Alpine's Gabriele Mini emerged as the standout rookie, claiming seventh with a 1m12.569s, just 0.085s ahead of Franco Colapinto. McLaren's Leonardo Fornaroli followed in 11th, Williams driver Luke Browning placed 17th, and Cadillac's Colton Herta took 20th. Despite experiencing a dramatic lock-up into the first corner, Herta completed an otherwise clean session and is expected to collect the final point required for his FIA Super Licence, potentially clearing the way for a 2027 Cadillac promotion.
Camara Debuts with Haas Following Line-Up Change
Brazilian racer Rafael Camara also made his Formula 1 practice debut with Haas, having joined the American squad for the rest of the campaign following Esteban Ocon's departure from the team. The Formula 2 championship leader finished 18th, almost nine tenths behind teammate Oliver Bearman, while Norris retained the session benchmark to give McLaren a slim opening advantage over Mercedes.
