Brazil Grand Prix first practice, latest updates and lap times from Sao Paolo

Still, there is some chance (hopefully) of a bit of disruption as it is the third of three sprint race weekends this season. That means, if you are not aware, we have one hour of practice on Friday, followed by the traditional three-part, one-hour elimination qualifying session which sets the grid for Saturday’s 24-lap sprint race. The finishing order for that then sets the grid for Sunday’s grand prix.

I would not hold out too much hope for things being too mixed up, but you never know. It at least offers a greater chance of it than a normal qualifying session. One hour of practice and then straight into qualifying does add some likelihood of unpredictability but, in truth, Verstappen is a driver who normally gets up to speed pretty quickly, so it probably favors him more than any other driver.

He has won the last three races and eight of the last nine, but Mercedes have been getting closer. And this track was the scene of one of Hamilton’s greatest victories last year. If he could win this year, it might go into that list.

Practice begins at 3.30pm GMT and lasts an hour. There is then a two-and-a-half hour break before qualifying starts at 7pm. We will be here for all of the build-up, live updates and reaction from it all.