LIVE: 2025 F1 Brazilian Grand Prix - São Paulo Free Practice

Lando Norris arrives in São Paulo leading the F1 Drivers' Championship by a single point over Oscar Piastri, with Max Verstappen a close third, 36 points back. This weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix, featuring a Sprint race, offers just one critical free practice session for teams to fine-tune their cars, and with unpredictable Interlagos weather looming, the stakes are exceptionally high.

Why it matters:

With only four rounds left in the championship, every point is crucial. The Sprint format means teams have just one hour of practice to gather vital data for both the Sprint Qualifying and the Grand Prix. This compressed schedule amplifies the pressure, making optimal car setup and driver performance in this sole session paramount for championship contenders and the midfield alike.

The details:

• Championship Standings: Lando Norris currently leads the Drivers' Championship with a narrow one-point advantage over teammate Oscar Piastri. Max Verstappen is a significant but still surmountable 36 points behind Norris, keeping the title fight wide open.
• Piastri's Performance: Oscar Piastri has acknowledged recent struggles but stated on media day that he finally has "clear answers" regarding the issues affecting his performance. This practice session will be the first test of whether those insights translate into improved pace.
• Sprint Weekend Format: The presence of a Sprint race means this 60-minute free practice session is the only opportunity for teams and drivers to collect data on both long-run race pace and single-lap qualifying performance. This demands extreme efficiency in data gathering and setup changes.
• Interlagos Weather: The circuit at Interlagos is renowned for its unpredictable weather conditions, which can swiftly change from dry to wet, adding another layer of complexity to an already challenging session. Teams must be prepared for anything, as weather can dictate tire strategy and car balance.

What's next:

The insights gained from this singular free practice session will directly influence the team's strategies for Sprint Qualifying and the main Grand Prix. Success here could give Norris a crucial edge, allow Piastri to regain momentum, or enable Verstappen to close the gap. With the championship on a knife-edge, every lap in this session will be intensely scrutinized for clues about the rest of the weekend's performance.