Formula 1’s new world champion has set the pace in Brazil. Kimi Antonelli topped Friday practice for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix at Interlagos, with Australian Oscar Piastri fifth and rain looming over qualifying.
Antonelli, driving for Mercedes, was fastest in second practice on Friday, 6 November, with a time of 1 minute 10.763 seconds — the first driver under 1 minute 11 seconds. Lando Norris was second for McLaren, 0.253 seconds back, with Max Verstappen third, George Russell fourth and Piastri fifth, just 0.321 seconds off the pace. Only 0.068 seconds covered second to fifth.
Norris had topped first practice with 1 minute 11.717 seconds, with Antonelli 0.082 seconds behind. Piastri sat out that session, with McLaren reserve Leonardo Fornaroli driving his car to evaluate the team’s new upgrade package — a new front and rear wing, beam wing and floor. Piastri was immediately on the pace when he returned for second practice.
The drivers’ title is already decided, with Antonelli crowned champion before Brazil, but the Sao Paulo weekend still matters. McLaren sporting director Randy Singh gave an encouraging verdict on the upgrades, and Norris had the fastest race pace of the day.
George Russell carries a five-place grid penalty for Sunday’s race. Qualifying is scheduled for Saturday, 7 November, at 18:00 GMT — Sunday 05:00 AEDT — with a 90 per cent chance of rain and thunderstorms. The race is on Sunday, 8 November, at 17:00 GMT over 71 laps. Nico Hülkenberg missed second practice with a suspected electrical problem.
Interlagos has a habit of producing drama, and with rain on the way, Piastri will be hoping the upgrades — and the weather — work in his favour this weekend.
It continues a big week for Australian motorsport, from Piastri’s Brazil bounce-back hopes as McLaren bring upgrades to the tributes after the death of Australian F1 world champion Alan Jones at 80. Qualifying is on Saturday, with the race on Sunday.
Bhudev Bhagaliya is an experienced and senior journalist who has carved a distinct niche for himself in the world of Hindi journalism through his profound understanding and precise writing style. With over two decades of experience in the field of journalism, he has held key responsibilities at Dainik Hindustan for 12 years and at Amar Ujala for one year. Currently, he serves as the Content Editor for the Jagrook Youth News newspaper and portal, where he plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and credibility of the news content. Bhudev Bhagaliya consistently writes about issues that help raise awareness within society and among the younger generation.