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Lando Norris put McLaren right at the sharp end of the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend, topping Free Practice One at Interlagos with a time of one minute eleven point seven one seven seconds, edging new world champion Kimi Antonelli by just eighty-two thousandths. Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton slotted in third and fourth, the four top teams separated by fractions, and McLaren arrived with fresh upgrades front and rear, so the pecking order could shift before Sunday.
That new world champion tag on Antonelli tells its own story — the nineteen-year-old Mercedes driver claimed the title ahead of this weekend, making him the man Norris is now chasing in the standings rather than defending against. The outgoing champion pushing the incoming one in practice is a dynamic that'll define the rest of this season.
And away from the lap times, Cadillac test driver Colton Herta finally crossed the threshold that's been standing between him and a Formula One race seat. Completing his sixth Friday practice session of the two thousand twenty six season at Interlagos gave him his fortieth superlicence point, clearing the last regulatory hurdle. Whether that opens a Cadillac race seat is another matter, with Valtteri Bottas making clear he's not stepping aside quietly for twenty twenty seven.
That's your play-by-play. Sports Desk, back to the booth.
