Norris edges Antonelli by 0.082s in Brazilian GP opening practice

Lando Norris set the pace in opening practice for the Brazilian Grand Prix, edging Kimi Antonelli by 0.082 seconds with a 1m11.717s lap. Max Verstappen was third and Lewis Hamilton fourth, around two and three tenths behind Norris respectively; the four leading teams were closely matched.

Verstappen also had issues to report: he complained over team radio about the RB22's long-standing downshift problem, then later said the steering was getting harder to turn.

Turn 1 produced heavy lock-ups from rookies and veterans alike, including a large one for Herta. An early red flag came after 12 minutes when Audi's Freddie Slater reported that his car had switched off. Technical problems kept Slater and Ferrari's Dino Beganovic from setting soft-tyre times; they completed seven and 11 laps respectively.

Herta finished 20th, 0.904 seconds behind Cadillac team-mate Valtteri Bottas. Motorsport.com said his session should theoretically earn him the final point needed for an FIA superlicence, which would make him eligible for a 2027 F1 seat if Cadillac chooses to promote him.