F1 Live: 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix first practice

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Russell takes over at the top with a 1’11.806, almost three-tenths of a second up on Perez. Given the state of the track, we’re likely to see rapid improvements.

Charles Leclerc goes sixth but is unhappy with Stroll getting in his way.

Sergio Perez sets the fastest time initially with a 1’12.099. Russell is second but says he’s experiencing a lot of bottoming.

Russell: “I think we’re going to have to box and raise the car.” He knows the importance of not going too low on ride height after his Spa disqualification – and getting that right on a sprint race weekend is specially important.

Russell: “Very bumpy coming out of the pit lane.” Then he adds: “Track feels bumpy. Very bumpy. Lots of sparks.”

The first cars head out and the back straights looks rather bumpy despite the new surface. Piastri confirms: “It’s quite bumpy.”

Track temperature already a toasty 53C. Interlagos has been fully resurfaced since F1 last visited.

The risk of rain in this session is zero percent, but there is a good chance we’ll see more later in the weekend, potentially even in this afternoon qualifying session for the sprint race.

As this is the third race weekend in a row most teams don’t have any updates. There are two exceptions: Sauber and McLaren, the latter potentially a significant development in the championship fight. Here’s what’s new on their drivers’ cars.

Good news from Aston Martin, meanwhile. Fernando Alonso hasn’t been well and missed pre-race activities at the track yesterday, but he is well enough to drive in this session. Disappointment for the team’s reserve driver Felipe Drugovich, though, who might have had the chance to make his debut at home.

We’ve already had one change in the driver line-up for this weekend. Kevin Magnussen is unwell so Oliver Bearman has taken over today. This means he will also do the sprint race tomorrow, but Magnussen could take over his car again afterwards if he is well enough. More here.

First practice for the 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix is coming up next.