4:37 p.m.: The Ferraris fly, Russell is already prepared for the race
(Daniele Sparisci) Red lightning. One lap was enough for Sainz and Leclerc to overtake everyone in the first and only free practice session of the Brazilian GP. As in Mexico, when in the classification the two reds suddenly lit up to occupy the first row, also in Interlagos you can aim high in the classification (7:00 p.m., full program here).
But it was a strange session: for example, Max Verstappen is 16th and only used hard tires. Behind the Ferrari drivers is Russell, one of the most dangerous from a sporting point of view: he won last year and aspires to repeat to give Mercedes its first success of the season. It is a circuit that he loves. With the medium tires he finished a tenth behind Sainz, so he can also be threatening on a single lap.
– Leclerc, two pole positions in a row: in Austin and Mexico (Getty Images)
The feeling is that they will once again be a very even classification, where a detail can make the difference. Or the weather, because the rain could come. The starting order for Sunday’s race will be decided. After his outburst due to invented rumors about a change to Red Bull instead of Pérez, Alonso started in 11th place. Better, for once, his teammate, Lance Stroll (7th).
4:35 p.m. – The top 10 free practice sessions
Sainz, Leclerc Russell, Hulkenberg, Albon, Stroll, Gasly, Zhou, Sargeant, Magnussen
4:30 p.m.: Free practice ends, Ferrari one-two
Here is the top 5 after FP1: Sainz, Leclerc, Russell, Hulkenberg, Albon
16.28 – Leclerc falls behind
Leclerc, one tenth behind Sainz, Ferrari has shown that he is very competitive in the fastest lap.
4:26 p.m. – Sainz in the lead with red tires
Carlos Sainz flies with red tires, we are in the qualifying simulations.
16:23: Hulkenberg and Norris accident
There was contact in turn 12 between Hulkenberg and Norris, the episode will be analyzed after the end of free practice.
4:20 p.m. – Hulkenberg and Albon did well on the red tires
Hulkenberg and Albon tested the qualifying laps on red tires, Haas is one of the few teams that has brought technical innovations to Sao Paulo.
4:19 p.m. – 10′ to the end of free practice
Russell continues to lead free practice with 1:11.865. The Ferraris of Leclerc and Sainz pursue. There are just over ten minutes left until the end of free practice.
4:10 p.m. – Adriano is also in Interlagos
Twenty minutes to go in free practice in Brazil. Adriano, former Inter striker, is also present today at Interlagos. Who actually wears a black and blue shirt.
3.55pm: Russell in charge
33′ at the end of free practice in Brazil. Russell is currently in charge, then Alonso, Verstappen, Tsunoda, Pérez, Hamilton, Norris, Leclerc, Hulkenberg and Sainz.
3:44 p.m. – Changes to Verstappen’s car
Max stopped to look at the shaking seat. Sainz rises to sixth place.
15:42: Hamilton did well
At the first sudden moment, Hamilton immediately makes a good start and is 318 thousandths behind Verstappen.
3:38 p.m. – The provisional top 5
Verstappen, Pérez, Alonso, Leclerc, Norris
3:35 p.m. – Leclerc behind Max
But the delay is one second, it is still the beginning of the first free practice session.
15.33 – The first part belongs to Max.
Verstappen sets a time of 1’13”95, one tenth faster than Sergio Pérez. The Mexican is looking for a reaction after the disastrous home GP in which he fell at the start.
3:31 p.m. – Cars on the track
The only free practice sessions of the weekend began, Verstappen immediately took to the track with hard tires.
15.16: Ferrari-Mercedes challenge for second place
Mercedes is 22 points ahead in the standings with three grands prix remaining: Toto Wolff’s team has always done well in Sao Paulo. Russell won last year, the year before Hamilton, who is also an honorary citizen of Brazil. However, given the speed in the previous races (Austin and Mexico), Ferrari may surprise in qualifying.
3:02 p.m. – Only one shift to tune up the machines
Sprint format weekends are always the most complicated for engineers: there is only one free practice session to fine-tune the cars. You need to make sure that the intended configuration in the simulator works out of the box. The weekends with mini races there are different reasons for how to change them, however there is no turning back: for F1 they continue to be a success with the public and ratings.
14.50 – The Brazilian GP scheduled until 2030
The announcement of the renewal of the contract with Formula 1 has arrived: the Brazilian GP will be held at the Interlagos circuit until 2030. It is good news for lovers of historical circuits, among the most spectacular points is Senna’s S . The promoters have announced investments to improve the infrastructure; last year 235 thousand spectators attended.
2:30 p.m. – Verstappen chases Ascari’s record
Max Verstappen, already comfortably world champion, has no desire to stop his relentless march. In case of success at Interlagos, the Dutchman would achieve 17 victories in a single championship, thus breaking Alberto Ascari’s record (highest percentage of victories in a single season. In 1952, the then Ferrari driver took home six GPs out of 8 ).
2:15 p.m. – The real numbers of Sprint races: Verstappen hates them, but televisions…
“Let’s leave aside the sprint races, they are not fun and by watching them you already know how Sunday’s GP will end.” Max Verstappen said this after the weekend in Austin. But Formula 1 continues with the mini-GPs (powerful with excellent numbers), introduced in 2021 and duplicated this year: in Brazil, in Interlagos, the sixth and last Sprint of 2023 will be held. READ the full article HERE
14.00 – F1, where to watch the Brazilian GP and all the schedules
After Mexico, Formula 1 lands in Brazil for the third consecutive race weekend (November 3, 4 and 5). The 21st stage of the season will have Ferrari and Mercedes as protagonists, busy in the fight for second place in the Constructors’ World Championship, in addition to the usual Max Verstappen, who is chasing new records. Additionally, the Sprint Race returns to Brazil. READ HERE where to watch free practice, qualifying and the race and at what time
