Overview
- Lando Norris topped the sole practice by 0.023s from Oscar Piastri, signaling McLaren’s pace at Interlagos heading into the sprint weekend.
- Max Verstappen was 17th in practice after failing to log a representative lap on the medium tyre during the one-hour session.
- The Brazilian weekend features a 24-lap sprint awarding up to eight points, a format Verstappen has excelled in and that can quickly alter the standings.
- Oscar Piastri dismissed claims of favoritism or sabotage at McLaren, saying recent pace differences are explainable and that he feels supported by the team.
- Verstappen said he will go “all-in” to close a 36-point deficit and acknowledged he may need some luck as the three-way title fight enters the sprint-heavy run-in.