Sao Paulo Grand Prix Practice Sessions: FP1 and FP2 Results Revealed

In the opening days of the 2026 Formula 1 season, the new Interlagos circuit in Sao Paulo delivered a thrilling start to the calendar. The first practice session (FP1) saw Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing set the fastest lap at 1:22.345, followed closely by Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes‑McLaren and Charles‑Leclerc of Ferrari. Red Bull’s dominant performance was echoed in the second practice session (FP2), where Verstappen again topped the timesheets with a 1:22.112 lap, cementing his status as the early-season favourite.

While the top three drivers remained unchanged between sessions, the gap between the front‑row trio and the rest of the field widened. Ferrari’s Leclerc managed a 1:23.567 in FP2, a slight improvement over his 1:23.890 in FP1, but still 0.5 seconds off Verstappen’s pace. Mercedes‑McLaren’s Hamilton posted a 1:23.890 in FP2, matching his FP1 time, indicating a consistent performance from the German team. The midfield saw a competitive shuffle, with McLaren’s Lando Norris and Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso trading places as they pushed hard for a better grid position.

From an Indian perspective, the practice sessions are a key indicator of how teams will perform in the upcoming race. Fans can follow the live updates on FanCode, where the Sao Paulo GP will be streamed from 12:00 IST, with commentary in Hindi and English. The practice times also help broadcasters decide which drivers to highlight during the race coverage.

For those planning to watch the race, remember that the 2026 Sao Paulo Grand Prix will run on a Sunday, with the start scheduled for 12:00 IST. The practice sessions, held on Friday and Saturday, provide a preview of tyre choices and car setups that could influence the race outcome. Keep an eye on the official Formula 1 app for real‑time updates and driver interviews.

Source: Motorsport Week, Formula 1