The only Free Practice session of the Brazilian Grand Prix in Formula 1 didn’t reveal the true performance hierarchy on track: both Ferrari and Red Bull kept an ace up their sleeves.
Ferrari closed the session at the very back of the order, but the team concealed a strategic advantage. Leading the way were the two McLaren drivers, with Lando Norris edging out teammate Oscar Piastri. Both MCL39 cars enjoyed a gap of more than six tenths over the first of the pursuers, Nico Hulkenberg in the Sauber, in what was a highly unusual session.
The timing sheets at the end of Interlagos Free Practice hardly tell the full story. Of course, McLaren being on top was expected, and they did not disappoint. The Woking duo remain the favorites for the World Championship, and it is easy to imagine Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri keeping the title fight alive all the way to Abu Dhabi. Behind them, however, two significant absences were felt.
Both Max Verstappen and the two Ferraris failed to break into the Top 10. The Dutchman finished only 17th, while Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton crossed the line in 18th and 19th. Fans should stay calm: these results do not reflect the true pace of the Milton Keynes and Maranello cars, but rather the outcome of a deliberate strategic choice.
So many uncertainties in Brazil: from weather to setup, Ferrari’s choices
Max Verstappen hit the track on medium tires but didn’t complete a flying lap, while both Ferrari drivers stuck to the hardest compound throughout the session. This explains their position in the final standings and could be a disadvantage in the Sprint Qualifying. However, weather forecasts suggest a potential wet session, which would have nullified any time attacks on dry tires.
The Prancing Horse also ran two different rear wings, with a higher downforce setup on Charles Leclerc’s car and a lower downforce configuration on Lewis Hamilton’s machine. This comparative test may continue into tomorrow’s Sprint Race, serving as the real benchmark to decide the optimal setup for the main race.
Source: f1ingenerale
