Norris edges Antonelli in São Paulo opening practice
Lando Norris led opening practice for the São Paulo Grand Prix, finishing 82 milliseconds ahead of Kimi Antonelli. Max Verstappen placed third as three teams occupied the leading positions. Freddie Slater’s stoppage interrupted the session with a red flag, while Alex Albon later pulled off after losing power steering.
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Norris takes the opening session
Lando Norris finished first in opening practice for the São Paulo Grand Prix on 6 November. McLaren’s driver beat Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli, with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen third at Interlagos. Three different teams occupied the leading positions at the end of the session.[1], [2]
Norris recorded 1 minute 11 seconds 717 milliseconds, leaving the newly crowned world champion Antonelli 82 milliseconds behind. Verstappen finished 236 milliseconds off the lead. Lewis Hamilton was fourth for Ferrari, while George Russell placed fifth in the other Mercedes.[1]
Soft tyres change the lead
Antonelli initially led on medium tyres before Verstappen moved ahead on softs. The Mercedes driver ran wide on his first soft-tyre attempt, then improved to 1 minute 11 seconds 799 milliseconds. Norris subsequently took the lead. His time survived the closing stages, when teams concentrated on longer runs rather than improving their fastest laps.[1]
Stoppages interrupt the running
Freddie Slater stopped his Audi on track, bringing out a red flag. Alex Albon later pulled off after losing power steering. Six regular drivers handed their cars to rookies for the session, including Oscar Piastri, with Leonardo Fornaroli taking his McLaren. Russell also faces a five-place grid penalty for an internal combustion engine change.[1]
