Norris fastest in São Paulo GP first practice as Verstappen fumes over gearbox

Lando Norris set the fastest time in first practice for the São Paulo Grand Prix at Interlagos on Friday, lapping in 1:11.717 in his upgraded McLaren to edge newly crowned world champion Andrea Kimi Antonelli by 0.082 seconds.

How practice unfolded

Max Verstappen was third for Red Bull, 0.236 seconds off Norris, but complained repeatedly over the radio about unacceptable downshifts, with the steering also growing heavier as the session went on. Isack Hadjar was sixth, 0.203 seconds behind his team-mate. After around 15 minutes, the red flag came out when Audi rookie Freddie Slater stopped with a technical problem. Six teams ran mandated junior Friday drivers, and Alpine's Gabriele Mini posted a surprise seventh, quicker than his team's regular race driver.

Russell penalty, Câmara home debut

Mercedes' George Russell confirmed he will take a five-place grid penalty for Sunday's race after another internal-combustion engine change, his second grid drop in four races. Brazilian Rafael Câmara makes his Formula 1 debut at home for Haas, joining Audi's Gabriel Bortoleto, so Brazil fields two home drivers for the first time since 2016. Lewis Hamilton will start his 400th Grand Prix on Sunday, and Mercedes can clinch the constructors' championship in Brazil.

What comes next

Second practice follows on Friday evening, qualifying takes place on Saturday and the race is on Sunday. Thundery showers are forecast for Saturday, with light showers and temperatures dropping to 19°C on Sunday, so the weather could yet shape the weekend.

(File photo: a Formula 1 car at Interlagos.)