Max Verstappen topped the timesheets in the final practice session at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace, finishing ahead of Kimi Antonelli and Lando Norris. However, the Dutchman will start at the back of the grid on Sunday after Red Bull made multiple changes to the engine of Verstappen’s RB22.

The Ferrari duo of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton have also received a grid penalty, with both drivers taking new internal combustion engines for the Grand Prix. The pair each have a 10-place grid penalty. Hamilton, however, suffered further problems in FP3, pitting what was an unhealthy sounding SF-26 while reporting smoke in his cockpit with around 25 minutes to go.

Meanwhile, George Russell has confirmed he will take a five-place grid penalty at the São Paulo GP after his own engine change, while Cadillac’s Sergio Perez is confirmed to start at the back of the grid after multiple changes.

Verstappen complained over the radio once again about his Red Bull in Saturday’s earlier session. During Friday’s action in São Paulo, the Dutchman experienced problems turning his RB22 into corners.

In a humorous exchange with his 2027 race engineer Tom Hart, Verstappen said: "Want to know something funny? The steering wheel is now heavy to the right." Hart had a witty response: "Wonderful, I think your one-liners were better yesterday." Verstappen then replied. "Oh, but the day's still young."

Meanwhile, rain has lashed down at Interlagos prior to Sao Paulo qualifying. Verstappen has won the only wet race of the 2026 season and triumphed at Interlagos three times - most notably in a thrilling comeback from P17 to win in 2024. However, persistent downshift and drivability problems could unsettle his car under braking on a slippery track.