Antonelli tops second practice in Sao Paulo

Kimi Antonelli set the fastest time in second practice for the 2026 Sao Paulo Grand Prix, clocking a 1:10.763 on Pirelli's C5 soft tyres at Interlagos. The Mercedes driver finished 0.253 seconds ahead of Lando Norris, with Max Verstappen third despite an unresolved steering problem.

George Russell took fourth ahead of Oscar Piastri, and just 0.068 seconds separated the four drivers behind Antonelli. Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc finished sixth and seventh as Ferrari struggled to match its rivals, while Nico Hulkenberg did not complete a lap in his Audi. Intermittent drizzle never developed into rain, allowing teams to complete their programmes.

Antonelli completed 37 laps, combining a qualifying simulation with race preparation, and Mercedes also tested the C5 soft over longer runs ahead of Sunday's 71-lap race. Mercedes could secure the Constructors' Championship this weekend.