Ferrari lose their rhythm in Sao Paulo
Ferrari have taken a podium in each of the last four races. Friday at Interlagos looked nothing like that run. Charles Leclerc finished second practice seven tenths behind Kimi Antonelli, and Lewis Hamilton was almost half a second off the pace as Mercedes, McLaren and Red Bull all went quicker.
Leclerc did not soften it. He described the session as one of the worst feelings he has had in the car this season and said the raw pace was missing. His answer is a big one: the car will change quite significantly overnight. He also missed first practice, having arrived late after the birth of his daughter Bianca on Wednesday, so his running was limited from the start.
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Tyres and weather add pressure
Hamilton’s problem was grip. He struggled to get heat into the tyres all day on a bumpy, slippery surface and said the team would study the data before qualifying. That matters more than usual this weekend. Rain is forecast for Saturday afternoon, which could scramble qualifying, and Sunday is expected to be cold at around 15C, a recipe for more tyre trouble.
The context is awkward for the team. Leclerc says he has settled his feud with Hamilton after their clash in Mexico City, and Antonelli arrived in Brazil as the newly crowned world champion, topping the timesheets. Mercedes can also seal the Constructors’ title on Sunday. Third practice is Ferrari’s last chance to prove the setup changes work before the grid is set.
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