Newly crowned world champion Kimi Antonelli reaffirmed his status at the Interlagos circuit, topping the practice sessions at the 2026 Sao Paulo Grand Prix. Despite his impressive pace, the Mercedes driver admitted that the track presented a significant technical challenge for the entire field.
Interlagos is proving to be a demanding venue this weekend. Antonelli highlighted the track surface, particularly at Turn 1, part of the iconic Senna S. The combination of bumps under braking and low tyre temperatures has made finding the optimal braking zone a precarious task for every driver.
"It's quite bumpy into Turn 1, so it is not easy to find the right braking spot because the grip is coming up and you try to brake later and later," Antonelli explained regarding the difficulties he faced. He noted that trying to modulate brake pressure on such a surface often led to lock-ups, forcing drivers to cut across the run-off area.
While he showcased strong single-lap pace, Antonelli acknowledged that the Mercedes team still has work to do. The primary focus for the team is now on improving the W17’s performance on long runs to ensure better tyre management during the main race.
The competition in Sao Paulo is expected to be fierce. Antonelli remains wary of his rivals' capabilities. "McLaren is strong as well. Red Bull is strong, so we just try our best to be ready. Also, we'll see how the weather is going to be, but I'm really excited," he added, looking ahead to a high-stakes qualifying session.
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