Verstappen Tops Final Practice as Several Drivers Are Penalized After Engine Changes in Sao Paulo GP
Verstappen edged Kimi Antonelli by 0.025 seconds as Hamilton’s Ferrari lost track time after a mechanical problem.
- Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, and Max Verstappen will all serve grid penalties for engine changes at the Brazilian Grand Prix, with Ferrari drivers receiving 10-place penalties and Verstappen starting from the back.
- Following tough Friday practice sessions, Ferrari decided to perform engine changes on both Hamilton and Leclerc's SF-26, a decision that followed showdown talks between team principal Frederic Vasseur and the drivers over tensions from Mexico.
- Red Bull officially confirmed the complete engine change on Saturday after breaking curfew Friday, while Verstappen has proven experience with comeback drives in Sao Paulo, famously winning from 17th on the grid in 2024.
- Rain is predicted across the weekend, with forecasts indicating it could rain at any point on race day, potentially offering a silver lining for the penalized drivers as they charge through the field.
- Meanwhile, Formula One announced on Saturday that Interlagos extended its contract to host a grand prix until 2035, with F1 president and chief executive officer Stefano Domenicali affirming the organization's long-term commitment to Brazil.
63 Articles
63 Articles
The final training for the Formula 1 race in Brazil caused excitement with Ferrari and Red Bull. While Max Verstappen complains about his restless bolids, suddenly smoke comes from Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari.
Verstappen quickest in final Sao Paulo practice ahead of Antonelli
SAO PAULO, Nov 7 : Red Bull's Max Verstappen set the fastest time in final practice on Saturday for Formula One's Sao Paulo Grand Prix, finishing ahead of newly crowned champion Kimi Antonelli before qualifying later in the day.The four-times champion clocked one minute 11.622 seconds, 0.025 faster than the
The quad Dutch world champion Max Verstappen was the fastest this Saturday in the third and last free training of the Brazilian Grand Prix of Formula 1. ‘Mad Max’ dominated the final practice in the Interlagos circuit (São Paulo) knowing that, having replaced numerous components of the power unit of his Red Bull, he will penalize and leave from the bottom of the grill. On his best lap, Verstappen – winner last Sunday in Mexico – covered the 4,30…
The Toronto Star
Verstappen tops final practice as several drivers are penalized after engine changes in Sao Paulo GP
SAO PAULO (AP) — Red Bull's Max Verstappen clocked the fastest lap at Saturday's final practice session at Interlagos ahead of Formula 1 champion Kimi Antonelli.
The starting grid of the Brazilian Grand Prix 2026 Formula 1, just a few hours away from qualifying, is already undergoing major changes. After the five penalty positions imposed on George Russell's Mercedes, 10 penalty positions were also officialized on the grid for Charles Leclerc's two Ferrari and [...] L'articolo F1, Gp Brazil: ten penalty positions for Hamilton's Ferrari and Leclerc. Smoking on the British single-seater comes from Il Fatto…
The multiple world champion will start from the bottom of the grid at the Brazil Grand Prix this Sunday at the end of the afternoon.
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