After just one free practice session, it is already time for a first qualifying session at Interlagos, for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. The hierarchy is an absolute unknown after a single session marked by very small gaps and a difficult track to tame.
Indeed, the Interlagos asphalt was one of the great disappointments of this first hour of testing, because the drivers discovered a tarmac ribbon with numerous bumps, while they were precisely hoping for an improvement in the running quality on a track. historically bumpy.
With four teams in the top 5 and eight teams in the top 11 during Free Practice, it is difficult to say who will be favorite for this first serious timer of the weekend. In addition, the peloton was in 1″3, and each error will be decisive.
However, McLaren F1 looked in good form, as did Mercedes and Ferrari. Max Verstappen and Red Bull were behind, while Oliver Bearman was seen moving into the top 3, as he replaces Kevin Magnussen in the Haas, for now for the start of the weekend.
SQ1 – 12 minutes – Pneus mediums
Under changing and increasingly deteriorating weather, the Ferrari drivers took to the track first and Charles Leclerc set the best time in 1'11″654, while Carlos Sainz was six tenths behind his teammate. Lance Stroll came between them, as did Valtteri Bottas.
Pierre Gasly did better than Leclerc in 1'11″630, and Esteban Ocon did even better in 1'11″520. But Sergio Pérez immediately beat them in 1'11″162. Alex Albon also did better in 1'11″015. George Russell accelerated in 1'10″870.
The track was clearly making progress, between the cars sweeping and the temperatures dropping. Lewis Hamilton failed by less than a tenth of his teammate, who complained of difficult brakes to manage.
Lando Norris clocked 1'10″672, which gave him the lead, but Liam Lawson beat him in 1'10″576. Oscar Piastri did better in 1'10″265, while Verstappen was on a fast lap. Nico Hülkenberg placed second, and Verstappen fourth.
Franco Colapinto's time was deleted for non-compliance with track limits. With showers not far from the circuit, the Ferrari drivers returned to the track. Leclerc moved up to second position, and Sainz to fourth place.
