Source – X.com
During the Autodromo Jose Carlos speed’s first practice for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, McLaren driver Lando Norris set the speed, ahead of Mercedes opponent George Russell and Haas substitute Ollie Bearman.
The single free practice session for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix took on extra significance this weekend as teams and drivers faced a compressed schedule with the Sprint format in play. Each lap and every bit of data became crucial as they prepared for the only chance to assess track conditions before Sprint Qualifying. Amid the intensified session, the announcement of a driver change added excitement, with Ferrari-backed Oliver Bearman stepping in as a substitute for the unwell Kevin Magnussen at Haas. Bearman, a rising star in Formula 2, is gearing up for his full-time F1 debut in 2025, and this opportunity allowed him to accumulate more experience while getting back into rhythm on the track.
Bearman wasted no time, eager to get a feel for the freshly resurfaced track under the intense Brazilian sun, and he was joined by the rest of the field in navigating the challenges of a track that tested grip levels and balance. Several drivers, including Franco Colapinto and Yuki Tsunoda, faced slips and slides as they sought the limit of the dark, sun-absorbing surface. Colapinto, in particular, showcased an impressive recovery after drifting through the tricky downhill Mergulho corner, while Tsunoda showed quick reflexes to tame a wild slide in the middle sector.
Max Verstappen set the early benchmark with a 1m 11.712s lap on medium tires, but he experienced some frustration over team radio as he worked through setup adjustments. His determination was evident as he aimed to counterbalance the effect of a grid penalty that would challenge his starting position for the main race. As the session progressed, Lewis Hamilton demonstrated his prowess, slotting in between Verstappen and teammate George Russell. Hamilton noted issues with the “ride quality” of his Mercedes, and close encounters with both Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris around Juncao underscored the bumpy nature of the track.
By the time the checkered flag fell, it was Lando Norris who set the fastest lap of the session with a stunning 1m 10.610s on soft tires. His performance put him a couple of tenths ahead of Russell, who, like Hamilton, voiced concerns about the track’s bumps. Bearman turned heads as he finished among the top times, reflecting a composed drive that underscored his readiness for higher-stakes competition. Oscar Piastri made it two McLarens in the top four, underscoring the team’s momentum. Alex Albon’s Williams clinched fifth place, followed by the Ferrari duo of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, with Nico Hulkenberg, Fernando Alonso, and Pierre Gasly rounding out the top 10.
Notably, Red Bull’s Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda limited their runs to medium tires, concluding in 11th and 12th positions. Behind them, Colapinto, Valtteri Bottas, and Verstappen placed in the top half, with Verstappen abandoning a late attempt on softs. Meanwhile, Hamilton, Lance Stroll, Esteban Ocon, Sergio Perez, and Zhou Guanyu rounded off the timesheet, with some opting to stick to medium compounds to conserve tire sets for later.
With practice behind them, teams are now poring over the data to make vital adjustments before heading straight into Sprint Qualifying. Scheduled for 3:30 PM local time, the Sprint will offer a thrilling preview of Sunday’s race, promising to raise the stakes with drivers ready to battle in what’s anticipated to be an electrifying showdown on the Sao Paulo circuit.
