Kimi Antonelli put everyone in his rear-view mirror at Interlagos. The Mercedes driver from Bologna, already crowned 2026 world champion, topped the second free practice session of the Formula 1 Brazilian Grand Prix, finishing ahead of Lando Norris and Max Verstappen.
Antonelli set the benchmark time of 1:10.763, edging out Norris’ McLaren by 253 thousandths of a second and Verstappen’s Red Bull by 259 thousandths. George Russell took fourth place, followed by Oscar Piastri.
Ferrari were well off the pace, with Lewis Hamilton sixth and Charles Leclerc seventh.
In the first session it was Norris who set the pace, stopping the clock at 1:11.717, with Antonelli second, 82 thousandths behind, and Verstappen third.
A solid showing also came from Gabriele Minì, who finished seventh at the wheel of the Alpine in the first session. The young Italian driver stood in for Pierre Gasly as part of the sessions reserved for rookie drivers.
For Antonelli, in his first outing since clinching the world title, this represents another encouraging sign ahead of qualifying.
Saturday 7 November’s schedule includes the third free practice session at 3:30pm and qualifying at 7pm, Italian time. The Grand Prix will get underway on Sunday 8 November at 6pm, broadcast live on Sky Sport and NOW.
