Kimi Antonelli Leads Sao Paulo GP Practice As Tribute To Senna Continues

Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli topped the timesheets in the second practice session for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix at Interlagos on Friday. Wearing a helmet inspired by his Brazilian idol and three-time world champion Ayrton Senna, Antonelli set the fastest lap of the session, finishing 0.253 seconds clear of McLaren's Lando Norris. Red Bull's Max Verstappen was third, just 0.007 seconds behind Norris, while Antonelli's Mercedes teammate George Russell finished fourth. Ferrari drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc ended the session in sixth and seventh places respectively. Most drivers improved their times during the second practice session after switching to soft tyres.

Antonelli's performance was warmly received by the Brazilian fans, who watched the young Mercedes driver continue paying tribute to Senna during his visit to Sao Paulo. The Italian has spent time with Senna's family and visited the Brazilian legend's grave ahead of the race weekend.

Earlier, Norris had set the pace in the first practice session, finishing 0.082 seconds ahead of Antonelli, while Verstappen posted the third-fastest lap.

Leclerc sat out the opening session, with Swedish rookie Dino Beganovic taking his place in the Ferrari. Beganovic struggled for grip and recorded the second-slowest time of the session.

Another rookie, Rafael Câmara of Haas, one of the two Brazilian drivers involved in the weekend, replaced Esteban Ocon in first practice. Câmara finished 18th in the opening session before improving to 16th in the second.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Featured Video Of The Day

Spain Vs Argentina | Dani Olmo On WC Triumph: 'Wanted To Set An Example For The Next Generation'