Lando Norris takes pole for Sao Paulo GP: Details here
What's the story
McLaren's Lando Norris has clinched the pole position for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, after winning the sprint race earlier in the day. Despite a shaky start that saw him drop to 10th place, Norris managed to secure pole by a margin of 0.174 seconds from Mercedes's Kimi Antonelli. His teammate and title rival Oscar Piastri, who was fastest on his first laps in the top 10 shootout, could only manage fourth behind Scuderia Ferrari's Charles Leclerc.
Comeback
Norris bounces back to secure pole
Norris had a rough start, locking his front brakes while entering the first corner at Interlagos on his first run in the shootout. However, he bounced back with an impressive final lap under pressure, beating his teammate by 0.375 seconds in the final runs. "I felt good. I was under a bit of pressure because I locked up on my first lap so a little bit more stressful than I would have liked but stayed cool and very happy," said Norris after securing pole position.
Upset
Verstappen eliminated in Q1
Red Bull Racing's Max Verstappen, the only realistic title rival for McLaren drivers, faced a shocking elimination in the first session and will start 16th. He had struggled for pace in the sprint and despite Red Bull making changes to his car for qualifying, he couldn't improve on his final run. This marks his first Q1 elimination since the 2021 Russian Grand Prix.
Performance
Other notable drivers and teams
Antonelli, who was close behind Norris in the sprint, has been the top Mercedes driver all weekend. He expressed his frustration at being behind Norris again but was happy with his final run. Racing Bulls's Isack Hadjar and Liam Lawson took fifth and seventh respectively, separated by George Russell's Mercedes. Oliver Bearman was eighth despite setting the third-fastest time on first runs and second in the second session.
Information
Norris wins sprint to extend lead
Norris extended his championship lead to nine points after winning the Sao Paulo Grand Prix sprint race while team-mate and title rival Piastri crashed out. Piastri lost control through Turn Three on lap six and spun into the barriers.