Antonelli fastest in second Sao Paulo practice after Norris tops FP1

SAO PAULO, Nov 6 : Newly crowned Formula One champion Kimi Antonelli set the pace in second practice for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix on Friday after McLaren's Lando Norris was fastest in the opening session at Interlagos.

Mercedes driver Antonelli topped the timesheets with a lap of one minute 10.763 seconds under dry but humid conditions, with Norris second, 0.253 slower, and Red Bull's four-times world champion Max Verstappen third, 0.259 off the pace.

"There's a bit of work to do, but overall feeling good and excited for tomorrow. I think we have a good chance," the Italian said, referring to Saturday's qualifying.

George Russell was fourth fastest for Mercedes despite a looming five-place grid penalty for taking a fresh engine, ahead of McLaren's Oscar Piastri, while Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were sixth and seventh.

The 20-year-old Antonelli, who secured the world title with third place in Mexico last weekend, had ended the first session second fastest behind Norris after returning to action for the first time since clinching the championship.

"FP1 was a little bit of a surprise, a pleasant surprise," said Norris.

"FP2, I think we seemed to struggle a little bit more compared to the Mercedes, just two tenths off on every lap, basically. But relative to some of the others, I think we seem pretty good."

Mercedes can wrap up the constructors' title this weekend if they outscore Ferrari by three points.

Leclerc, back in the Ferrari after youngster Dino Beganovic drove in the opening session, reported a brake issue early in FP2, while Hamilton complained that he was struggling with tyre performance as Ferrari sought to close the gap with Mercedes.

Leclerc, who became a father this week, had a near miss with