New champion Antonelli leads Mercedes to Interlagos as Verstappen hunts more wins

Kimi Antonelli arrives at Interlagos for the 2026 Brazil Grand Prix as Formula 1’s reigning world champion, having sealed his first title at the Mexico Grand Prix last time out. The 20-year-old Italian became the sport’s youngest-ever champion and the first from his country since Alberto Ascari in 1953.

Mercedes now have the opportunity to complete a championship double in São Paulo, holding a commanding 126-point lead over Ferrari in the constructors’ standings. A strong weekend at Interlagos could wrap up the team title before the season concludes.

Max Verstappen arrives in Brazil in formidable form, having won three of the last four grands prix. Ferrari, meanwhile, will be looking to regroup after a damaging first-lap collision between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc in Mexico cost the team a potential race victory.

There are additional storylines to follow in the Brazilian paddock. Rafael Camara will make his home grand prix debut for Haas, while Colton Herta returns for his sixth FP1 appearance of the season with Cadillac, needing one final point to secure his FIA superlicence.

Friday’s running at Interlagos consists of two free practice sessions. FP1 begins at 12:30pm local time (BRT), with FP2 following at 4:00pm. For viewers in the UK, those sessions run at 3:30pm and 7:00pm GMT respectively; US Eastern Time viewers can tune in at 10:30am and 2:00pm ET.

Conditions at Interlagos on Friday are expected to be mostly cloudy and relatively cool, with temperatures between 21 and 23 degrees Celsius during FP1. Some overnight rain could leave damp patches on the circuit early in the day, though the probability of rain during either practice session is currently around 10%.

Qualifying takes place on Saturday at 3:00pm local time, with the 2026 Brazil Grand Prix scheduled for Sunday at 2:00pm BRT.