Lando Norris was fastest in his upgraded McLaren from new Formula 1 world champion Kimi Antonelli in first practice at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
McLaren have not fought for victory in recent races but could be contenders in Brazil this weekend as Norris showcased their pace by beating Antonelli by 0.082s.
Despite most teams focusing on their 2027 cars, McLaren have brought a new front wing, rear wing, beam wing and floor furniture to the car, and it appears to have made an immediate impact.
Four different teams were in the top four as Red Bull’s Max Verstappen was third at 0.236s off the pace and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton was fourth, 0.324s behind Norris.
George Russell, who questioned the frequency of his “atrocious luck” this season on Thursday, was fifth in first practice, just ahead of Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar.
Russell has a five-grid place penalty for a new internal combustion engine, so will start no higher than sixth in Sunday’s race at Interlagos.
Mercedes can win the Constructors’ Championship this weekend if they outscore Ferrari by three points, or more, with Antonelli already crowned world champion last weekend following his podium in Mexico.
Antonelli is honouring three-time F1 world champion Ayrton Senna with a special helmet in tribute to the Brazilian.
More to follow…
Sky Sports F1’s live Sao Paulo GP Schedule
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Look back at some of the most dramatic moments to have taken place at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix
Friday November 6
6.45pm: Sao Paulo Grand Prix Practice Two (session starts at 7pm)
8.15pm: The F1 Show
Saturday November 7
2.15pm: Sao Paulo Grand Prix Practice Three (session starts at 2.30pm)*
5pm: Sao Paulo Grand Prix Qualifying build-up
6pm: SAO PAULO GRAND PRIX QUALIFYING
8pm: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook
Sunday November 8
3.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Sao Paulo GP build-up
5pm: THE SAO PAULO GRAND PRIX*
7pm: Chequered Flag: Sao Paulo City GP reaction
8pm: Ted’s Notebook
*also on Sky Sports Main Event
Formula 1 is in Brazil for the final leg of the triple header with the Sao Paulo Grand Prix this weekend, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW