By: The long runs completed by the drivers from the top teams give us reason to hope for a superb race on Sunday. There are, in fact, plenty of reasons why that could happen. Race pace on slick tyres looks promising, while the forecast threatens to shake everything up from tomorrow afternoon onwards (Italian evening): significant rain is expected during qualifying, while there is also a smaller but still present threat of rain for the race. It will therefore be particularly interesting to see how the teams approach the weekend from tomorrow’s FP3 onwards.
Before the rain shuffles the pack — assuming it actually does — let us take a look at the current performance level of the cars in dry conditions. Here too, though, a caveat is needed before we begin. Conditions in FP2 were not completely dry. The track was suitable for slicks, but overcast skies and 90% humidity made the circuit appear to be shrouded in an unusual mist. There was even some drizzle towards the end of the session. Track temperatures recorded during FP2, at around 36°C, were 8-9°C lower than those seen during FP1.
Every compound has plenty of potential
With that said, let us look at the times. As the average race pace shows, McLaren, Mercedes and Red Bull are running at very similar levels, despite making markedly different tyre compound choices. Lando Norris and McLaren impressed on the C3 Hard, but Piastri was arguably even more striking, maintaining his pace and matching the front-runners on the Soft.
During the session, McLaren appeared to be the most competitive team, but after analysing the data, Mercedes are once again in the conversation as they look to impose themselves on their rivals from qualifying onwards and then win again in the race. Antonelli, following Mexico, showed that he can manage the C5 Soft superbly, setting the fastest pace on track despite completing a 20-lap stint. Russell was good too, but nothing unexpected.
Alongside Mercedes on the Soft and McLaren, strong on both the white-walled C3s and red-walled C5s, sits Verstappen’s Red Bull. The Dutchman managed to stay with Mercedes and McLaren despite using the C4 Mediums, a compound which today appeared to work only for the Austrian outfit.
Ferrari are nowhere. A complete reset needed before FP3
Hamilton’s Ferrari struggled, stranded in no man’s land. Leclerc did not fare much better either. Charles certainly did a better job on the Softs, but his average pace was still around three tenths slower than that of the strongest rivals. Hamilton, meanwhile, tried the C4 Medium route and ended up well adrift in no man’s land. His 1’16”1 pace was the slowest in the group. Overall, Ferrari were the team in the most difficulty among the top outfits, at least on Friday. It is all to do again before FP3. The problems are evident in both the long runs and qualifying simulations.
Surprise: McLaren are in Brazil too
McLaren also tested the qualities of its new aerodynamic package today. The updates include the use of the new front wing that we will see again in 2027, at the start of the season, when the cars are unveiled. For now, the MCL40 appears to have responded well to the changes. The first confirmation is expected tomorrow.
Cover photo by Vinícius Oliveira / WHYOUT Images
All the news, photos, weather, session times and times from the Brazilian GP 2026
