Brazilian GP Sprint Qualifying: Norris Secures Pole
Lando Norris took an early lead at the Sao Paulo GP in Interlagos by claiming pole position for the Sprint race. Championship leader Norris will start at the front alongside Kimi Antonelli, while his title contender Oscar Piastri qualified third.
The McLaren teammates looked poised to control the session after showing strong pace in Free Practice, with Norris ultimately asserting dominance when it counted. Piastri delivered a solid performance, finishing ahead of a competitive Mercedes lineup, whereas Max Verstappen could manage only sixth place.
Verstappen Struggles with Car Issues
Verstappen complained about a "broken" Red Bull midway through the three-part Sprint Qualifying, which affected his pace and starting position. Despite the shorter segments, the session began quietly with Yuki Tsunoda first on track, soon followed by Norris and Piastri.
Qualifying Session Highlights
- Piastri initially set the fastest lap with 1:10.286, narrowly beating Norris by 0.02 seconds.
- Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton ran their first laps later in the session, setting the ninth and seventh best times respectively.
- Max Verstappen delayed his flying lap start, which contributed to a less competitive time.
Max Verstappen on his car issues: "It feels broken."
The McLaren duo’s strong pace under pressure demonstrates their readiness to challenge for top positions in the upcoming race.
Summary: Lando Norris captured pole for the Sao Paulo Sprint, with teammate Oscar Piastri close behind, while Verstappen's technical problems limited him to sixth on the grid.
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