Champion Antonelli Sets the Pace in São Paulo

Kimi Antonelli picked up where his title season left off, setting the fastest time in the second practice session for the São Paulo Grand Prix. For the newly crowned world champion, it was a encouraging first day back behind the wheel, and a clear signal that the Mercedes driver is not easing off now that the championship is won.

Interlagos is a demanding circuit. Its bumpy surface, undulating layout and unpredictable weather mean a single fast lap tells only part of the story, and the long-run pace and tyre behaviour in the coming sessions will reveal far more about where the car really stands. Still, topping the timesheet in practice gives a driver confidence heading into qualifying, and it shows the team's package is working as intended at this venue.

Winning a championship changes how a driver is treated in the paddock, in the media pen and in the eyes of rivals. Sessions like this one suggest Antonelli is adapting to that spotlight without losing focus on the job. Qualifying and the race will show whether the speed holds when the stakes are higher.