P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The Red Bull looks more like its pre-summer-break self. There’s reason for that, says Mark Hughes – and the potential for that all to change again
On the first day at Interlagos with the current Formula 1 sprint format, a strong performance early on could secure a good grid position for sprint qualifying. Teams had to make strategic decisions between tyre choices, ride height adjustments, and wing levels, a challenge that could significantly impact performance.
McLaren, Mercedes, and Aston Martin showed promising speed in FP1, while Red Bull and Ferrari faced difficulties. Lando Norris claimed pole position in sprint qualifying, narrowly ahead of Mercedes and the other McLaren. Fernando Alonso impressed in his Aston Martin, outqualifying Max Verstappen.
Red Bull’s decision to run with minimal wing caused handling issues for Verstappen, highlighting the importance of balance between high-speed downforce and stability. Aston Martin and Alpine showcased strengths in handling varying wing levels, while McLaren’s unique aero setup allowed for consistent performance.
Each team’s approach to setup and aerodynamics will be crucial in finding the optimal performance balance for qualifying and the Brazilian Grand Prix, especially given the limited track time on Friday. The complexities of car setup and circuit demands will continue to test teams’ adaptability and strategic acumen throughout the race weekend.
