Lando Norris topped the timesheets during FP1 at the 2026 F1 São Paulo GP, setting a 1:11.717 around the Autódromo José Carlos Pace. The McLaren driver finished just 0.082 seconds ahead of newly crowned World Champion Kimi Antonelli, while Max Verstappen completed the top three, 0.236 seconds behind Norris.
Following his championship triumph at the Mexico City GP, Antonelli entered the weekend with the Drivers’ title already secured. However, the battle for second place remains open, while Mercedes continues its pursuit of the Constructors’ Championship.
The opening practice session also featured six rookie appearances. Leonardo Fornaroli replaced Oscar Piastri at McLaren, while Gabriele Minì took over Pierre Gasly’s Alpine. Freddie Slater drove Nico Hülkenberg’s Audi, Dino Beganovic replaced Charles Leclerc at Ferrari, Luke Browning stepped into Carlos Sainz’s Williams, and Colton Herta replaced Sergio Pérez at Cadillac.
Meanwhile, Rafael Câmara made his first appearance as a full-time F1 race driver after Haas confirmed his early promotion following Esteban Ocon’s departure.
Green light for FP1 at the 2026 São Paulo GP
As the green light appeared at the end of the pit lane, Câmara was among the first drivers to take to the circuit, beginning his maiden F1 Grand Prix weekend in front of his home crowd. With rain potentially arriving later in the weekend, teams took advantage of the dry conditions to gather valuable data.
However, several drivers struggled to find grip during the opening minutes. Lance Stroll, Alex Albon, Lewis Hamilton and Herta all experienced lock-ups at Turn 1, running wide as they explored the limits of the Interlagos circuit.
For the six reserve drivers, the session provided an opportunity to gain experience in the 2026 machinery while completing important development programmes for their respective teams.
Nevertheless, Slater’s running came to an early end when his Audi stopped on track shortly after the session began. The British driver reported that his car had switched off, prompting race control to deploy the red flag.
The interruption proved particularly disappointing for Slater, whose previous FP1 appearance in Mexico City had also suffered from technical difficulties.
Antonelli leads as Verstappen switches to soft tyres
Following the restart, Antonelli gradually established himself at the front of the classification. Approaching the 20-minute mark, the Mercedes driver recorded a 1:12.789 on the medium compound before improving to 1:12.777.
However, Verstappen soon challenged the newly crowned champion after becoming the first driver to switch to soft tyres shortly before the halfway point.
The Red Bull driver immediately improved to a 1:11.953, moving ahead of Antonelli. Despite his pace, Verstappen reported problems with his car’s downshifts over the radio, expressing frustration with its behaviour.
Antonelli subsequently attempted to respond on the softer compound, but a lock-up at Turn 1 disrupted his first flying lap. The Italian recovered on his next attempt, setting a 1:11.799 to reclaim the fastest time.
Meanwhile, Hamilton demonstrated competitive pace for Ferrari, moving ahead of George Russell as the leading drivers continued their qualifying simulations. Russell, who faces a five-place grid penalty following an internal combustion engine change, remained within reach of the leading group.
Norris takes the lead as Albon encounters technical problems
With approximately 20 minutes remaining, Norris delivered the decisive lap of the session. The McLaren driver recorded a 1:11.717, moving 0.082 seconds ahead of Antonelli and 0.236 seconds clear of Verstappen.
However, Williams encountered difficulties at almost the same moment. Albon experienced a loss of power steering and pulled off the circuit, bringing his running to a premature conclusion.
The Thai driver subsequently finished 16th, while teammate Browning placed 17th after completing his rookie practice appearance.
At the front, Verstappen continued struggling with his Red Bull’s handling, later reporting that the steering had become increasingly difficult to turn. Nevertheless, his earlier effort remained sufficient for third place.
Hamilton held fourth with a 1:12.041, finishing 0.324 seconds behind Norris, while Russell completed the top five. Isack Hadjar followed in sixth, placing both Red Bulls inside the leading six.
As the session entered its closing stages, teams shifted their attention towards longer runs, allowing Norris to retain the fastest time until the chequered flag.
Minì impresses as Brazilian drivers complete opening session
Among the rookie drivers, Minì delivered the strongest performance, placing his Alpine seventh with a 1:12.569. The Italian finished 0.852 seconds behind Norris, securing an encouraging result during his latest F1 practice appearance.
Home favourite Gabriel Bortoleto followed in eighth for Audi, while Franco Colapinto placed the second Alpine ninth. Liam Lawson completed the top ten for Racing Bulls, with the leading ten drivers separated by less than one second.
Fornaroli finished 11th in Piastri’s McLaren, narrowly ahead of Ollie Bearman, while Fernando Alonso, Arvid Lindblad and Valtteri Bottas completed the top 15.
Câmara finished 18th during his first F1 weekend with Haas, recording a 1:13.696 and completing 30 laps as he continued adapting to the VF-26.
Stroll followed in 19th, ahead of Herta, whose latest Cadillac appearance forms part of his efforts to secure the remaining Super Licence point required for a potential F1 race seat in 2027.
Beganovic finished 21st after Ferrari encountered technical difficulties and removed the floor of his car during the session. Slater completed the 22-driver classification after his early stoppage restricted him to just seven laps.
Norris therefore concluded FP1 fastest ahead of Antonelli and Verstappen, with only 0.236 seconds separating the leading three. Teams will return to the circuit for FP2 at 16:00 local time on Friday, with qualifying scheduled for Saturday.
