McLaren relief as Brazil upgrades offer Lando Norris-Oscar Piastri boost

McLaren's sporting director Randy Singh has given an encouraging early verdict on the team's new upgrade package after the first day of running at Interlagos.

The Woking-based squad brought a wide-ranging aerodynamic update to the São Paulo Grand Prix, covering the front wing, rear wing, beam wing and floor furniture, as it looks to arrest a recent dip in form against Red Bull, Ferrari and Mercedes. 

The changes follow updates introduced in Baku and Austin that failed to deliver the expected gains.

Lando Norris topped first practice before Kimi Antonelli went fastest in second practice, with Norris second and Oscar Piastri fifth as the team worked through its new parts across both sessions. 

Reserve driver Leonardo Fornaroli was drafted in for FP1 to help evaluate the new specification in detail, with it being Piastri's turn to watch from the pit wall.

Asked if McLaren was pleased with the introduction of the upgrades, Singh said it had gone well.

"No, it went really well," said Singh. "I think the upgrades look like they're delivering as we expected, which is all you can ask for. 

"And Leo [Fornaroli] did a good job for us in FP1, running some rakes and helping us test them in detail. So yeah, from that side of things, very well."

McLaren enjoy strongest day for several grands prix

Singh also reported that Norris and Piastri had both come away happy with the car's behaviour, despite tricky conditions through the Friday running.

"Yeah, I think both drivers [are happier]," added Singh. "I'd say Oscar, having missed FP1, he's done really well, like immediately on the pace, which is not easy when you miss the first session.

"And with the slightly drizzly, misty conditions that we had, both drivers were competitive. I think hopefully the upgrades have moved us a small step forward compared to recent events, but it just remains always so tight. 

"We're going to have to make sure we optimise qualifying to get a good result."