Hamilton ahead in opening practice at Brazil

F1 Grand Prix, GP Brazil, Autódromo José Carlos Pace, Interlagos

Lewis Hamilton was the fastest man in today's first practice session of the Brazilian GP weekend. The session was closely fought, and suggested that Red Bull Racing could be a major contender, contrary to their disappointing performance last year.

While Red Bull still struggled with the lacking Renault power unit, their early pace at Interlagos confirms yet again how much progress the team have made with their power unit.

Five tenths eventually covered the top four, with Verstappen edging close to Hamilton, who also proved fastest on the medium compound Pirelli tyres. Nico Rosberg followed at two tenths, followed by Daniel Ricciardo.

Valtteri Bottas, who was confirmed to stay at Williams next year, was fifth fastest, ahead of both Force India's and team mate Felipe Massa. The latter conveniently runs a custom Williams livery at his final home race in F1.

Both Ferraris completed the top 10 as the team opted not to run the soft tyres.