Kimi Antonelli names major challenge facing every F1 driver at Sao Paulo GP

Kimi Antonelli has described how the bumps under braking at Turn 1 at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix will be a challenge all weekend.

The world champion finished second and first in the two Friday practice sessions, but the two outings were blighted by drivers running wide after locking up for the first downhill left of the Senna S.

The bumps under braking, coupled with low tyre temperatures, combined to make braking tricky, with laps being instantly ruined if drivers were required to cut across the run-off - which Antonelli did on his first soft tyre lap in FP1.

Reflecting on the situation, the Mercedes driver explained how he was trying to modulate the brake pressure to find the right balance.

"It's quite bumpy [into Turn 1], so it is not easy to find the right braking spot because the grip is coming up and you try to brake later and later," Antonelli said.

"It is quite bumpy, so it is hard to manage brake pressure, so it is not easy, and I was trying to do a little bit more, but it was a bit too much."

Turning to his day overall, Antonelli felt there were still improvements to be made to his W17 on the longer runs.

"I felt good with the car over a single lap, but on the long run, there's a bit of work to do, but overall, I am feeling good and excited for [qualifying].

"I think we have a good chance for [qualifying], however, we're all very close. 

"McLaren is strong as well. Red Bull is strong, so we just try our best to be ready. Also, we'll see how the weather is going to be, but I'm really excited. 

"The track is a lot of fun. The grip is a bit low, but I'm trying to do my best."