Antonelli fastest in second Sao Paulo practice after Norris tops FP1
SAO PAULO: Newly crowned Formula One champion Kimi Antonelli set the pace in second practice for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix on Friday after McLaren’s Lando Norris was fastest in the opening session at Interlagos.
SAO PAULO: Formula One champion Kimi Antonelli led second practice for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix on Friday, ahead of McLaren's Lando Norris and Mercedes' Max Verstappen. The Italian completed a lap in 1:10.763 seconds under dry but humid conditions, while Norris was 0.253 seconds behind, and Verstappen trailed by 0.259 seconds. Antonelli expressed optimism for Saturday's qualifying, stating, "I think we have a good chance."
George Russell of Mercedes placed fourth, with Oscar Piastri of McLaren in fifth. Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc finished sixth and seventh, respectively. Norris described the second practice as a "pleasant surprise," as McLaren struggled more than Mercedes in the first session. The 20-year-old Antonelli had returned to racing for the first time since securing the world title with a third-place finish in Mexico.
Leclerc had a brake issue early in the second session, while Hamilton complained about tire performance. Brazilian rookie Rafael Camara made his first Interlagos appearances after replacing Esteban Ocon and finished 16th. Gabriel Bortoleto, driving for Audi, finished eighth. Rain was expected to arrive during the weekend at the notoriously challenging Interlagos track.
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