Kimi Antonelli set the pace in the second free practice session at the 2026 Brazilian Grand Prix, navigating challenging conditions at the Interlagos circuit. Despite overcast skies and a bumpy track surface, the newly crowned Formula 1® world champion posted the fastest lap, showing strong pace ahead of a competitive field.
Antonelli clocked a best time of 1:10.763 on soft tyres, edging out McLaren’s Lando Norris and Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen by roughly a quarter of a second. The session was marked by cooler temperatures and intermittent light rain, which made tyre temperature management a key challenge for the drivers, as noted by Lewis Hamilton during the run.
The Interlagos track’s uneven surface caused heavy bottoming for Antonelli, yet he still managed to lead the timing sheets early on hard tyres. George Russell also posted competitive times but was set to carry a five-place grid penalty due to a new engine installation. Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc finished sixth and seventh respectively, with Leclerc’s lap compromised after being impeded on a straight by Haas rookie Rafael Camara, who was making his debut in the session.
The session highlighted the close competition among several teams as the season approaches its final stages. Drivers from Mercedes, McLaren, Red Bull Racing, Ferrari, Audi, Haas, Alpine, Aston Martin, Williams, Cadillac, and Racing Bulls all featured in the top 10, reflecting a tightly packed field.
Notably, Audi’s Nico Hulkenberg did not participate in FP2 due to unresolved issues, while Haas’s Rafael Camara completed his first full day as a grand prix driver, stepping in for Esteban Ocon. Verstappen faced some difficulties during the session, including a clutch complaint over the radio, but remained among the top three.
Lewis Hamilton commented on the tricky tyre conditions, emphasizing the difficulty in maintaining optimal tyre temperatures under the cooler and overcast weather. This factor added an extra layer of complexity for teams as they worked to find the right balance on the demanding Interlagos circuit.
Overall, the second practice session at the Brazilian Grand Prix provided valuable insights into car performance and driver form ahead of the weekend. Antonelli’s pace underlined his status as the reigning world champion, while the session’s conditions tested the adaptability of the drivers and teams alike.