Mercedes sees good pace despite balance issues in São Paulo practice
Heading into the São Paulo Grand Prix weekend, Andrew Shovlin confirmed that Kimi Antonelli’s practice session pace marked one of the team’s better Fridays of the recent schedule, despite lingering balance complaints across both cars.
Formula 1 arrives in Interlagos under the weight of motorsport history, landing on the exact thirty-third anniversary of Ayrton Senna’s final career victory at the 1993 Australian Grand Prix with McLaren. As teams prepare for the weekend schedule, the immediate track conditions present an unpredictable baseline for the Saturday qualifying sessions.
Mercedes Tackles Persistent Balance Hurdles During Practice
Mercedes emerged from Friday running with competitive lap times on both short sprints and long-distance simulations. Andrew Shovlin noted that while the overall speed is encouraging, the cars remain difficult for the drivers to handle in specific zones.
With regard to our pace, this was one of our better Fridays of late, even though there is still a lot of room for improvement on the balance, Andrew Shovlin explained.
The team continues to battle recurring braking issues that have plagued their recent grand prix outings. Shovlin pointed out that the team must locate a better compromise between rear axle grip in high-speed corners and a responsive front end required for slower sections. The objective heading into the weekend remains making the cars more forgiving for the drivers.
Cadillac Weather Strategies and Grid Penalties
Further down the pit lane, the Cadillac team is evaluating tactical engine changes against potential weather shifts. Sergio Perez stated that changeable conditions could unlock genuine opportunities for the American outfit this weekend. The team has yet to finalize whether to introduce an extra power unit and accept a subsequent grid penalty.
Grid complications are already cemented elsewhere on the starting grid. George Russell is facing a confirmed five-place drop for Sunday’s race start. Perez acknowledged that any strategic gamble will depend heavily on the forecasted rain arriving in São Paulo.
Hadjar Set-up Shifts and Weather Watch
Driver Isack Hadjar got through a difficult Friday in Interlagos, finishing the second practice session in ninth position behind Gabriel Bortoleto in the Audi. Hadjar reported that a late set-up shift in the second session moved the car in an unexpected direction.
The French driver noted that morning long-runs showed competitive pace before the balance deteriorated during the afternoon adjustments. With rain threatening the afternoon schedule, teams must adapt to the changing conditions.
Qualifying Schedule and Track Practicalities
The third and final practice session begins at 15:30 CET, leading directly into the qualifying hour scheduled for 19:00 CET. Meteorological forecasts indicate a shift from Friday’s light mist to heavier precipitation as the afternoon progresses in São Paulo.
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