Mercedes showed promising pace during the opening practice sessions at the 2026 Sao Paulo Grand Prix weekend. Kimi Antonelli, the recently crowned World Champion, was a standout performer, narrowly missing out on the fastest time in Free Practice 1 and then topping the timesheets in Free Practice 2. This early performance has sparked interest in whether Mercedes can maintain their edge over close rivals throughout the weekend.
Friday’s sessions revealed a tightly contested field, with the top four teams separated by only small margins. Alongside Mercedes, McLaren, Alpine, and Haas all demonstrated competitive speed, making for an intriguing battle on the streets of Sao Paulo. Lando Norris of McLaren was particularly close to Antonelli’s pace in the first session, while drivers like Gabriele Mini and Oliver Bearman also featured prominently among the frontrunners. Max Verstappen of Oracle Red Bull Racing remained in the mix, underscoring the depth of competition.
The context of these practice results highlights the challenge Mercedes faces in holding off their rivals. While Antonelli’s pace is encouraging for the team, the narrow gaps suggest that no single squad has a clear advantage at this stage. The Sao Paulo circuit, known for its demanding layout and variable conditions, often tests teams’ adaptability and consistency across the weekend.
Mercedes’ strong showing in Free Practice 2, with Antonelli leading the session, suggests the team has found a solid setup for the track. However, the close competition from McLaren and Alpine indicates that the battle for pace will continue to be intense. The presence of Haas and Oracle Red Bull Racing drivers near the top also adds to the unpredictability of the weekend’s progression.
As the weekend advances, the question remains whether Mercedes can convert their initial speed into a sustained advantage. The practice sessions provide useful data but do not guarantee race performance, especially given the competitive nature of the field. Teams will be looking to refine their cars and strategies to gain any possible edge.
Overall, the start of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix weekend has underlined the competitive balance among the leading teams. Mercedes’ early pace, led by Antonelli, is a positive sign, but the narrow gaps to their rivals highlight the ongoing challenge. The unfolding sessions will offer further insight into how the teams adapt and respond to the demands of this street circuit.