WATCH: Lewis Hamilton's cat like reflexes to avoid high speed crash with Carlos Sainz at Interlagos

In the high FP1 at the Interlagos circuit, Lewis Hamilton once again showcased his exceptional skill and experience, narrowly avoiding a high-speed collision with Ferrari's Carlos Sainz. This weekend's sprint format left only one practice session, intensifying the action-packed hour as drivers raced to adjust to the new track surface.

The mix of high stakes and challenging conditions tested the limits of even the most seasoned Formula 1 drivers, with Hamilton emerging as a standout in a tense moment with Sainz. The key moment unfolded when Hamilton encountered Sainz moving unusually slowly around Turn 12. Hamilton’s reflexes were put to the test as he swiftly moved to the inside, avoiding a risky collision.

Here is the video:

Lewis Hamilton had a moment! 😅#F1 #Formula1 #BrazilGPpic.twitter.com/hw8jnHd5EI

— Extreme Cars (@extremecars__) November 1, 2024

The incident, though brief, highlighted the tension of the session as drivers adapted to track changes in real time. Fortunately, both Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz escaped unscathed, with Hamilton’s quick response preventing a potentially race-ruining crash.

Despite the smooth save, Hamilton’s experience wasn’t entirely free of frustration. He voiced concerns about the rough, bumpy surface, mentioning discomfort that could pose a challenge over the extended laps of the Grand Prix. “Ride quality is still bad,” Hamilton noted toward the session’s end, raising questions about whether this issue could impact his performance over the weekend.

Lando Norris tops the FP1 session!

Notably, the action began as McLaren’s Lando Norris took control of the leaderboard, setting the fastest lap time and claiming the top position. British talent continued to dominate as George Russell, piloting his Mercedes, and Ollie Bearman, filling in for the unwell Kevin Magnussen at Haas, clinched the second and third spots respectively.

Bearman’s impressive lap placed him right behind Russell, adding an unexpected twist to the session’s top three. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, meanwhile, found himself in an uncharacteristic 15th place after pulling back in the final sector, leaving his lap time short of the leaders.