Max Verstappen set the fastest time in Free Practice 3 (FP3) ahead of the 2026 Sao Paulo Grand Prix, posting a 1:11.622 to narrowly edge out Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli and McLaren’s Lando Norris. Despite leading the session, Verstappen faces a significant challenge as he will start the race from the back of the grid due to multiple power unit changes.
The FP3 session on November 7 saw a cautious start, influenced by forecasts of rain and thunderstorms. Many drivers delayed their runs, waiting for better track conditions. Verstappen’s Red Bull teammates Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar also featured in the top 10, alongside drivers from Mercedes, McLaren, Ferrari, Aston Martin, Alpine, Williams, Haas, Audi, Cadillac, and Racing Bulls.
Grid penalties affected several key drivers. Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc each received 10-place drops for changes to their internal combustion engines, with Hamilton’s FP3 cut short by engine issues that included smoke in the cockpit and unusual vibrations. George Russell also faces a five-place penalty for an ICE change. Meanwhile, Kimi Antonelli managed to post competitive times despite a steering wheel problem, and Lance Stroll’s session ended early due to an Energy Recovery System issue.
Qualifying simulations began late in the session, with drivers running on Pirelli soft tyres for the first time during FP3. The top 10 times were set by Verstappen, Antonelli, Norris, Russell, Leclerc, Oscar Piastri, Arvid Lindblad, Lawson, Hadjar, and Gabriel Bortoleto. Some drivers faced technical difficulties; Nico Hulkenberg had limited running due to mechanical issues, and Sergio Perez was under investigation for discarding an item from his cockpit during the session.
Verstappen’s fastest lap in FP3 confirms his pace despite the penalty setback, while the session highlighted the challenges teams face with reliability and strategic timing in variable weather conditions. The penalties for engine changes will have a notable impact on the starting grid, affecting the race dynamics in Sao Paulo.
With the penalties applied to several front-running drivers, the qualifying session and race strategy will be crucial in determining how the grid reshuffles. The FP3 times provide insight into the pace of the leading drivers and teams under mixed conditions, setting the stage for the weekend’s competitive battles.
This session underlined the technical and operational challenges teams must manage alongside track performance. The Sao Paulo Grand Prix weekend continues to develop as teams prepare for qualifying and the race, with penalties and weather factors shaping the competitive landscape.