Hamilton and Bottas were scrapping for the fastest lap time in the first ninety minutes of practice at Interlagos, and it was Hamilton who ended the morning session on top. Kimi Räikkönen was third, and was a full half second further down on pace than the two Mercedes drivers. The Red Bull pair were next in line, with Ricciardo knowing he has to take an engine penalty this weekend.

Toro Rosso endured a difficult session with Gasly completing only a couple of laps, and Brendon Hartley failing to set a lap time after an engine issue developed on his car. Meanwhile, Force India lent one of their cars to new driver George Russell, GP3 champion, who did a solid job and finished in 12th place.