Norris fastest in Brazil practice as McLaren upgrade debuts

Lando Norris set the pace in opening practice at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix in McLaren's upgraded car, 0.082 seconds faster than Mercedes' Andrea Kimi Antonelli in the opening hour at Interlagos. McLaren has brought an upgrade for its MCL40 featuring floor tweaks, an updated rear wing and a new front wing concept that it plans to carry into the 2027 season.

Max Verstappen was third, 0.236 seconds behind Norris, after complaining that shifts in his Red Bull were unacceptable, and he also reported steering issues. Lewis Hamilton was three-tenths off Norris, with George Russell fifth fastest. Russell will serve a five-place grid penalty for taking on a fresh power unit.

Brazilian rookie Rafael Camara made his F1 debut at home and finished 18th, while Freddie Slater stopped after six laps and was slowest.