Norris on Pole, Verstappen Sixth in Brazil Sprint Qualifying
Formula 1 championship leader Lando Norris secured pole position for the sprint race at the Brazilian Grand Prix with two strong laps. Max Verstappen managed only sixth place.
Key Qualifying Results
- Lando Norris claimed his first sprint pole of 2025, extending his strong form after overtaking McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri two weeks ago for the first time since April.
- Oscar Piastri finished third, two tenths behind Norris, while Kimi Antonelli split the McLarens by putting his Mercedes on the front row.
- Despite narrowly avoiding elimination after finishing 15th in SQ1, Antonelli advanced to the front row.
- George Russell was fourth, just 0.001 seconds ahead of Fernando Alonso, who topped SQ2 driving for Aston Martin.
- Verstappen struggled throughout the session due to poor balance in his RB21, settling for sixth place.
- Lance Stroll had a solid performance for Aston Martin, finishing seventh—his best qualifying result in the second half of the season.
- Charles Leclerc ended eighth after a difficult Friday for Ferrari, followed by Isack Hadjar’s Racing Bulls and Nico Hulkenberg’s Sauber.
Notable Incidents
Charles Leclerc spinning in the closing moments of SQ2 at the Bico de Pato right-hander impacted several drivers’ chances, including his Ferrari teammate Lewis Hamilton.
This spin contributed to other drivers facing elimination in SQ2.
Summary
Lando Norris maintained his championship lead with a confident sprint pole, while Verstappen’s handling issues held him back, signaling a competitive and unpredictable Brazilian Grand Prix sprint race.
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