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Norris fastest in Sao Paulo practice as champion Antonelli returns to action
Lando Norris was quickest in first practice for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, while newly crowned world champion Kimi Antonelli returned to the track and finished second. The session offered an early look at the pace ahead of the weekend, as Mercedes also pursue the constructors’ title.
Norris’s best lap was 1 minute 11.717 seconds, 0.082 seconds ahead of Antonelli; Max Verstappen was third, 0.236 seconds behind. Mercedes can clinch the constructors’ championship if they outscore Ferrari by three points, while George Russell faces a grid penalty. Two Brazilian drivers were on the grid for the first time since 2016: Gabriel Bortoleto was eighth and Rafael Camara, making his 2026 car debut, was 18th. A gearbox failure brought out a red flag, and rain is forecast later at the circuit.
In short
- Norris led Sao Paulo practice in 1:11.717.
- Antonelli returned after securing the drivers’ title.
- Mercedes can clinch the constructors’ crown this weekend.
Explained simply
The São Paulo Grand Prix is a round of Formula One, the international series in which teams race cars and score points across a season. Drivers compete for the drivers’ championship, while teams also collect points towards a separate constructors’ title.
Lando Norris drives for McLaren, Kimi Antonelli and George Russell for Mercedes, and Max Verstappen for Red Bull. Mercedes’ constructors’ title hopes depend on its points compared with Ferrari’s, while a grid penalty can affect where a driver starts a race.
The race takes place at Interlagos, a circuit in São Paulo, Brazil. Brazilian drivers Gabriel Bortoleto and Rafael Camara are among those taking part, giving local fans drivers to follow alongside the international title contenders.