Max third quickest in Interlagos FP1
Published on 06 November 2026 by Stefan Meens
Max Verstappen was third fastest in the opening practice session of the Brazilian Grand Prix. Lando Norris was quickest in his McLaren, ahead of newly crowned world champion Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes). Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) and Mercedes’ George Russell completed the top five.
Similar to the previous FP1 in Mexico, several rookies took on driving duties: Leonardo Fornaroli (McLaren), Freddie Slater (Audi), Gabriele Mini (Alpine) Luke Browning (Williams), Dino Beganovic (Ferrari) and Colton Herta (Cadillac). If the later completes a minimum of 100 kilometres in the session, the young American will have secured his superlicense, which makes him eligible to race in F1.
As the session gets underway, it is straightaway busy on the Autódromo José Carlos Pace. With rain expected in FP2, the teams are making the most of the available dry track conditions in the first practice session.
Seven laps into a stint, Freddie Slater’s Audi grinds to a halt, prompting a red flag. The session resumes with forty minutes to go. Meanwhile, Max is not happy with the downshifts of his Red Bull, despite being quickest at the halfway point.
Soon after, Antonelli ventures out for is first laps on the soft Pirellis. His opening flying lap is cut short due to missing his braking point at the first corner, but the Italian’s second effort is quick enough the take top spot. Moments later, Lando Norris sets the fastest lap of the session to go P1.
With just under twenty minutes on the clock, Max heads out on a used set of softs for a race simulation. Most drivers follow suit, mean the lap times are not bettered in the closing third of the session.
The Dutchman experiences issues with his power steering but is able to venture out for a few laps on the hard Pirellis. The session finishes with Herta completing enough laps to secure his superlicense and Lando Norris setting the pace for McLaren.
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