Image: from Asif Patel X@A51FR3D
By Benjamin Foster | Staff Writer with Agencies
In a thrilling start to the 2025 São Paulo Grand Prix weekend, Lando Norris took the top spot in the only practice session, leading a McLaren one-two with teammate Oscar Piastri in second. The session was held on Friday morning at the iconic Interlagos circuit, where Norris posted a time of 1:09.975, edging out Piastri by just 0.023 seconds.
Despite the tight margin between the McLaren teammates, the session saw several notable performances, including a solid showing from Nico Hülkenberg, who placed third, followed by Fernando Alonso and home hero Gabriel Bortoleto, rounding out the top five.
McLaren’s Strong Form
McLaren’s impressive form was on full display as Norris and Piastri dominated much of the session. The British driver, known for his sharp driving and consistency, was quick to set a strong lap time, improving on the previous best during the closing minutes. Piastri, just 0.023 seconds behind, proved that McLaren’s pace is on the rise after their strong start to the 2025 season.
Norris’ performance is a significant confidence booster for the team as they aim to continue their recovery and fight for strong points in the championship. Both drivers will be hoping to carry this momentum into the rest of the weekend.
Challenges and Incidents During the Session
The only practice session in São Paulo was not without its challenges. Early in the session, Yuki Tsunoda had a moment where he lost control of his car and collided with the barriers. Luckily, Tsunoda was able to recover and continue his session, but it highlighted the tricky nature of the circuit.
Further into the session, Alexander Albon reported issues with his Williams’ brakes, mentioning that they were “grabbing too much” and causing strange sensations. This concern was echoed by several drivers, as brake performance is crucial for tackling the demanding corners of the Interlagos circuit.
As the session progressed, the weather remained relatively cool with track temperatures reaching 35°C and air temperatures at 19°C, making tire management a key focus for the teams.
Top Performers
While McLaren dominated the top spots, several other drivers also impressed during the session. Hülkenberg, in third, continued to show strong form for Sauber Ferrari, and Fernando Alonso, a consistent contender in the upper positions, was fourth. Brazilian driver Gabriel Bortoleto made a strong impression, finishing fifth, much to the delight of the home crowd.
In the middle of the pack, George Russell and Max Verstappen remained competitive, but Verstappen was involved in an incident where he interfered with Russell’s lap. The stewards deemed the incident non-punishable, but it highlighted the close nature of the competition.
Lando Norris goes quickest in the only practice session at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix! ⏰🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/GO31mEo0JB
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) November 7, 2025
Late Improvements and the Final Classification
As the session entered its final phase, there were a few notable changes in the order. Carlos Sainz, using the medium tire, jumped up to second with a lap time of 1:10.820, just behind Norris. The final minutes of the session saw several drivers improving their times, with some opting for softer tire compounds to boost performance.
In the final classification, McLaren’s Norris secured the top spot with Piastri in second, while Hülkenberg, Alonso, and Bortoleto completed the top five.
Full Results from the Only Practice Session of the São Paulo GP:
-
Lando Norris (McLaren/Mercedes) – 1:09.975
-
Oscar Piastri (McLaren/Mercedes) – 1:09.998
-
Nico Hülkenberg (Sauber/Ferrari) – 1:10.594
-
Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin/Mercedes) – 1:10.606
-
Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber/Ferrari) – 1:10.616
-
George Russell (Mercedes) – 1:10.645
-
Pierre Gasly (Alpine/Renault) – 1:10.681
-
Carlos Sainz (Williams/Mercedes) – 1:10.686
-
Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls/Honda RBPT) – 1:10.707
-
Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – 1:10.744
-
Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls/Honda RBPT) – 1:10.794
-
Alexander Albon (Williams/Mercedes) – 1:10.807
-
Esteban Ocon (Haas/Ferrari) – 1:10.906
-
Oliver Bearman (Haas/Ferrari) – 1:10.961
-
Lance Stroll (Aston Martin/Mercedes) – 1:11.070
-
Franco Colapinto (Alpine/Renault) – 1:11.160
-
Max Verstappen (Red Bull/Honda RBPT) – 1:11.368
-
Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 1:11.493
-
Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – 1:11.526
-
Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull/Honda RBPT) – 1:11.763
What’s Next for the Drivers?
With the only practice session completed, the drivers will now prepare for the remainder of the weekend, including the Sprint race on Saturday and the main Grand Prix on Sunday. McLaren will be hoping for a strong performance, while other teams like Red Bull, Mercedes, and Ferrari will be looking to bounce back after a competitive and intense session.
As the Brazilian GP unfolds, the excitement builds for what could be a thrilling race in São Paulo.