Brazil Grand Prix: Norris Fastest in Only Free Practice

British driver Lando Norris from McLaren recorded the fastest time on Friday in the only free practice session for the Brazil Grand Prix, the 21st stage of the Formula 1 World Championship.

On the Interlagos circuit, the Brit, who is second in the overall standings, 47 points behind Dutch leader Max Verstappen, outperformed fellow countrymen George Russell from Mercedes and Oliver Berman, who is filling in for the sick Danish driver Kevin Magnussen in the Haas team, at least until Saturday afternoon.

Australian Oscar Piastri, Norris’s teammate at McLaren, finished in fourth place, while Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc from Monaco and Carlos Sainz from Spain, who each won one of the last two races, placed fifth and sixth.

Verstappen, a three-time world champion, ended up in fifteenth place and did not complete the session, despite being capable of competing among the fastest drivers on soft tires.

Max will start from sixth position on the grid after a five-place grid penalty he received on Friday due to a power unit change.

Verstappen and his pursuer Norris can achieve a substantial points haul this weekend, as they can collect up to 34 points, compared to the usual 26, thanks to the fifth sprint race (out of six) this year, which will take place on Saturday.