New champion Antonelli tops Brazil practice — SkimNews
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- Antonelli set second-practice pace at Interlagos with a 1:10.763, the only sub-71-second lap and 0.2 seconds quicker than Norris and Verstappen, after placing second in Friday’s first session.
- McLaren introduced an upgrade to its MCL40 cars; Norris said the changes appeared to add lap time, and he and Piastri finished second and fifth as Antonelli and Russell took first and fourth.
- Ferrari ended Friday with Hamilton sixth and Leclerc seventh after Leclerc flew back from Monaco following the birth of his first child, Bianca; the team also held a meeting after their first-lap clash in Mexico.
- Russell finished fourth in the second Mercedes behind Norris and Verstappen, but carries a five-place grid penalty for a fresh engine.
- Audi had Gabriel Bortoleto eighth in its sole-running car before his home Grand Prix, while Haas debutant Rafael Camara placed 16th and drew a stewards summons after getting in Leclerc’s way on the uphill run.
- Interlagos stayed dry through Friday’s sessions despite low mist, but rain showers are forecast for the remainder of the weekend; Norris predicted Saturday would be “very, very wet” and advised spectators to bring rain gear.
- Antonelli said he was no longer thinking about the championship and was enjoying driving more, while Chandhok said the new champion had found a better rhythm and was driving without the title’s baggage.
Why it matters: Norris said McLaren’s MCL40 upgrade added lap time, and he finished second only 0.2 seconds behind Antonelli, yet McLaren starts the weekend 17 points behind third-placed Red Bull. Saturday’s 6pm qualifying follows Friday’s low-grip running, with heavy rain also in the weekend forecast.
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