Brazilian GP

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McLaren driver Lando Norris has set the fastest time in the only free Formula 1 practice session for the São Paulo Grand Prix in Brazil!

The Briton was faster on Friday in Interlagos than George Russell (+0.181 sec.) in the Mercedes and Haas driver Oliver Bearman (+0.195). World champion Max Verstappen in the Red Bull finished 15th.

In dry conditions on the newly asphalted Autódromo José Carlos Pace, Verstappen abandoned his fast attempt in the one-hour session, probably for tactical reasons, shortly before the finish line. Meanwhile, Mercedes drivers Russell and Lewis Hamilton (16th) complained about a "bouncing" car.

The result:

Haas driver Kevin Magnussen dropped out due to nausea and may not return until qualifying for the main race at the earliest. British replacement driver Bearman, who will also be in the Haas cockpit next season, stepped in convincingly for the Dane and will also contest the sprint for the US team.

Here are the standings in the drivers' world championship:

The starting position for the Grand Prix on Sunday (6pm) certainly promises to be exciting. As expected, Verstappen will be moved back five places on the grid due to an engine change. This will be the sixth engine to be used in the Dutchman's RB20; four are permitted per season.

In the championship standings, the defending champion is still 47 points ahead of rival Norris with four races and two sprints to go before the end of the season.