Verstappen tops final practice as several drivers are penalized after engine changes in Sao Paulo GP

Max Verstappen set the fastest lap in Saturday’s final practice session at Interlagos, leading Formula 1 champion Kimi Antonelli by just 0.025 of a second. McLaren’s Lando Norris took third place, while Mercedes’ George Russell and Ferrari’s George Russell rounded out the top five. Unfortunately, seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton of Ferrari ended up 12th, more than a second behind Verstappen.

However, the day’s proceedings took a different turn after organizers informed several drivers they will face penalties at Sunday’s race for engine changes exceeding the season’s allowable limit. Verstappen, Ferrari teammates Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, and Mercedes’ George Russell all received grid penalties. Verstappen will start 30 places back on the grid due to a full power unit change, while the two Ferrari drivers and Russell will start 10 and five places behind, respectively.

Cadillac’s Sergio Pérez will also start from the back of the grid after his car was equipped with several new elements. The official starting order for Sunday’s race will be determined during qualifying later in the session. Despite starting from the back, top drivers like Hamilton and Verstappen have proven they can still excel from a difficult position. Hamilton famously charged from the back to victory in 2021, and Verstappen secured a stunning win from 17th position in 2024.