Verstappen heads three-team scrap for early Brazil dominance

Max Verstappen topped the timesheets in the first free practice session for the Brazilian Grand Prix, with the hint of a thrilling three-team scrap for honours hinted at. Verstappen set a best time of one minute 9.011 seconds, but both Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton were within a tenth of a second.

The mixed up order to the big three Formula 1 teams should keep fans excited over the weekend, with title honours having already gone Lewis Hamilton's way.

Mercedes are set to take out the constructors' championship this weekend and Red Bull's surprise spot at the top of the timesheets strengthens the Silver Arrows' bid.

Vettel was marginally quicker than Hamilton as he looks to repeat last year's win at Interlagos, while Hamilton impressed as he looks to win a race following an in-season title triumph for the first time.

Max Verstappen picks up where he left off in Mexico - P1!

There's little to choose between the top three... close weekend coming up? ????#BrazilGP ???????? #F1 pic.twitter.com/0kDfzAB2Sr — Formula 1 (@F1) November 9, 2018

Daniel Ricciardo headed the other batch of three front runners, but the Australian is facing a five-second grid drop in Sunday's race for taking on a new turbocharger.

Kimi Raikkonen was fifth-fastest, but his top time was set on harder tyres, suggesting that the Finn is dialled in nicely.

Haas took best of the rest honours with Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen seventh and eighth as they try to overhaul Renault in fourth place of the constructors' championship.

Three replacement drivers took part in the session and all were involved in minor skirmishes, Nicholas Latifi and Antonio Giovinazzi earning the ire of Pierre Gasly and Brendon Hartley respectively.

MORE: Ricciardo set for Brazil GP grid drop
MORE: Brazilian GP: Mercedes set to party again