Formula 1 News: Norris tops only practice for Sao Paulo Brazil GP

Driving the superior McLaren-Mercedes and sporting a radical rear-wing, Lando Norris turned a lap of 1m10.610s to top the only practice session for the 2024 Sao Paulo Brazil GP at the 2.677-mile Interlagos Circuit.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

Since this a Sprint Weekend, there will be no more practice sessions – just Sprint Qualifying, Sprint Race, GP Qualifying and the feature GP event on Sunday.

George Russell was 2nd fastest for Mercedes, 0.181s behind Norris. “That was one bumpy ride, wow.”

Oliver Bearman was a surprise 3rd quick subbing for Kevin Magnussen, 0.195s behind Norris.

Oscar Piastri was 4th fastest in the #81 McLaren, 0.340s behind teammate Norris.

Alexander Albon rounded out the top-5 for Williams, 0.345s behind Norris.

Max Verstappen was on a fast lap that would have put him near the top, but he slowed in sector 3 so as not to show his full hand. He ended up only 15th fastest on the medium tires. He will incur a 5-place grid penalty on Sunday for taking a new Honda Internal Combustion Engine.

Lewis Hamilton also did not turn a lap on the soft red tires, complaining about back pain and only 16th fastest.

It sounds like Hamilton’s pain was caused by his Mercedes jumping up and down over the bumps, so there is work to do for his team to see if they can adjust the ride height without hampering performance.

But the good news for the team is the car looks quick out there today.

But can anyone beat the Lando Norris McLaren with its radical new rear wing?

2024 Sao Paulo Brazil GP Practice Results