McLaren’s Lando Norris set the fastest time during the sole practice session for Formula 1’s São Paulo Grand Prix.
Norris posted a time of 1:10.610s in the closing stages of the one-hour session, held in hot and sunny conditions at a resurfaced Interlagos, to finish 0.181s clear of Mercedes’ George Russell.
Russell had gone early for his Soft tyre run and held the advantage for much of the closing stages before Norris’ final flying effort dislodged his time.
Third spot went to Haas reserve driver Ollie Bearman.
Bearman received the call up on Friday morning in the wake of regular racer Kevin Magnussen being taken unwell.
Magnussen’s prognosis remains unknown but Bearman will remain in the car throughout Friday – meaning he will also contest Saturday morning’s Sprint Race.
Per regulations Magnussen is permitted to return to action for qualifying if he is able to do so.
Oscar Piastri improved after an error on his first Soft tyre run to finish fourth, ahead of Williams’ Alex Albon, with Ferrari duo Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz sixth and seventh.
Nico Hulkenberg was eighth for Haas, as Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso and Alpine’s Pierre Gasly rounded out the top 10.
Red Bull Racing was not a factor towards the top of the timesheets.
Max Verstappen, who will take a five-place grid penalty for Sunday’s race due to new engine, finished in 15th place, having abandoned his Soft tyre run.
Sergio Perez completed his Soft effort but was left down in 19th place, faster only than Sauber’s Zhou Guanyu.
Lewis Hamilton was only 16th on the Medium tyres and complained of being in pain during the final minutes of proceedings.
READ MORE – F1 2024 Sao Paulo Grand Prix – FP1 Results
