The traditional Interlagos circuit in the Brazilian metropolis of Sao Paulo has reclaimed its classic format after years of hosting sprint weekend events. Having utilized the sprint format from 2021 through 2025, the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace finally returned to a traditional weekend structure, a change welcomed by both seasoned competitors and rookie newcomer Rafael Camara, who stepped in to fill the vacant seat left by Esteban Ocon at the Haas team, granting him essential track time to master his new machine.
The opening practice session also featured several exciting driver swaps across the paddock, offering junior talents a rare chance to showcase their abilities. McLaren handed over the steering wheel of Oscar Piastri's car to Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli, while Scuderia Ferrari gave Dino Beganovic an opportunity to pilot Charles Leclerc's SF-26. Williams welcomed English prospect Luke Browning in place of Carlos Sainz, Audi deployed Freddie Slater for Nico Hulkenberg, and Alpine ran Gabriele Mini instead of Franco Colapinto. Meanwhile, Cadillac's Colton Herta drove in place of Sergio Perez to complete the mandatory mileage requirement needed to secure his official Formula 1 superlicence.
Amidst the flurry of debutants, misfortune struck Mercedes driver George Russell, who learned he must serve a five-place grid penalty for the upcoming grand prix after taking on a new internal combustion engine. On the technical front, McLaren emerged as the most aggressive team in terms of upgrades, introducing a completely revamped front wing, rear wing, floor assembly, and beam wing to gather critical data for next year's aerodynamic philosophy. The rest of the grid largely opted to utilize aerodynamic specifications carried over from the preceding Mexico City round.
Free Practice 1 at the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace kicked off under an ambient temperature of 24 degrees Celsius, with track temperatures soaring to 41 degrees Celsius. Local rain cells looming around Sao Paulo brought unpredictable weather forecasts for the upcoming sessions, adding tension to the paddock. Local fans had plenty to cheer about, as the event marked the first time since 2016 that two Brazilian drivers—Gabriel Bortoleto and Rafael Camara—participated in an official Formula 1 weekend simultaneously.
Out on the asphalt, Max Verstappen initially set a brisk pace before Kimi Antonelli and Lando Norris elevated the benchmark. A heart-stopping moment occurred when Dino Beganovic nearly collided with the back of Oliver Bearman's Haas after a momentary loss of concentration. Although seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton radioed in to report slippery track conditions, the session continued at a fierce pace until a late red flag brought a temporary halt to the action.
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