Formula 1 is heading towards the season finale. There are signs of drama in the three-way title fight. On the first outing in Brazil, the world champion is significantly slower than his challengers.
In the thrilling three-way battle for the Formula 1 title, world champion Max Verstappen started the Brazilian Grand Prix with a few problems. The 28-year-old had to make do with 17th place in his Red Bull in the only training session in São Paulo.
World Championship leader Lando Norris set the fastest time, just 0.023 seconds behind Oscar Piastri in the second McLaren in second place. The drivers of the traditional British racing team also left the best impression on the longer trips.
Only one practice session takes place on the legendary course in Interlagos before the qualification for the sprint takes place. The German Nico Hülkenberg surprisingly drove his Sauber to third place at the start.
The first World Championship points of this weekend will be awarded in the short race over a good 100 kilometers on Saturday (3 p.m./Sky). The forecast rain could cause chaotic conditions.
Verstappen breaks off a fast lap
Before the 21st of 24 races of the season on Sunday (6 p.m./Sky), the Briton Norris leads by just one point over the Australian Piastri. Behind them, defending champion Verstappen from the Netherlands is lurking, 36 points behind Norris, with his chance of becoming world champion for the fifth time in a row. During training, Verstappen ended up aborting his fastest lap early and couldn’t keep up with McLaren.