Norris takes São Paulo Sprint Pole in thrilling Interlagos Qualifying
Lando Norris delivered a stunning lap at Interlagos to secure pole position for tomorrow’s São Paulo Grand Prix Sprint, edging out rookie sensation Kimi Antonelli by just 0.097s in a thrilling SQ3 shootout. The McLaren driver, who leads the Drivers’ Championship by a single point over team-mate Oscar Piastri, clocked a 1:09.243 on soft tyres to claim his first Sprint pole of the season.
Antonelli’s performance was equally impressive, the Mercedes youngster showing composure beyond his years to split the McLarens and start on the front row. Piastri will line up third, ahead of George Russell, Fernando Alonso and a frustrated Max Verstappen, who could only manage sixth after struggling to extract pace from his Red Bull.
Sprint Qualifying Recap
SQ1 – Early exits for big names
The opening segment saw several surprises. Carlos Sainz locked up into Turn 1 and failed to set a competitive time, ending up 20th. Yuki Tsunoda, Esteban Ocon, Liam Lawson and Franco Colapinto also dropped out. McLaren set the early benchmark, with Piastri narrowly ahead of Norris, while Alonso and Hadjar showed strong pace.
Eliminated in SQ1:
Colapinto (16th), Lawson (17th), Tsunoda (18th), Ocon (19th), Sainz (20th)
SQ2 – Leclerc spin and Hamilton out
The second segment was chaotic. Charles Leclerc spun at Turn 10, triggering double yellows that ruined laps for several drivers, including Nico Hulkenberg and Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton, already under investigation for a yellow flag infringement, missed the cut in 11th. Home favourite Gabriel Bortoleto also failed to advance, along with Alex Albon, Pierre Gasly and Oliver Bearman.
Eliminated in SQ2:
Hamilton (11th), Albon (12th), Gasly (13th), Bortoleto (14th), Bearman (15th)
SQ3 – Norris delivers under pressure
With soft tyres mandated, the final eight-minute shootout was all about maximising grip. Antonelli set the early pace with a 1:09.340, but Norris responded with a purple first sector and improved to 1:09.243. Piastri couldn’t match his team-mate, ending up third, while Russell slotted into fourth. Alonso impressed in fifth, and Verstappen’s single-run strategy left him sixth.
Top 10 Grid for the Sprint:
- Norris (McLaren) – 1:09.243
- Antonelli (Mercedes) +0.097
- Piastri (McLaren) +0.185
- Russell (Mercedes) +0.252
- Alonso (Aston Martin) +0.253
- Verstappen (Red Bull) +0.337
- Stroll (Aston Martin) +0.428
- Leclerc (Ferrari) +0.482
- Hadjar (Racing Bulls) +0.532
- Hulkenberg (Kick Sauber) +0.692
Key Talking Points
McLaren’s championship advantage
With Norris on pole and Piastri third, McLaren are perfectly placed to maximise Sprint points. Norris could extend his slender championship lead, while Piastri will be eyeing a repeat of last year’s Sprint win from pole.
Antonelli’s breakthrough
The rookie’s front-row start is a statement. His pace on both mediums and softs was consistent, and he outperformed Russell in identical machinery. Tomorrow’s opening lap could be pivotal if he challenges Norris into Turn 1.
Verstappen’s struggles
The reigning champion’s sixth place is a concern. Red Bull’s set-up issues from FP1 persisted, and Verstappen’s decision to run only one flying lap in SQ3 backfired. He’ll need a strong start to avoid losing ground to McLaren in the title fight.
Ferrari’s mixed fortunes
Leclerc salvaged eighth despite his spin, but Hamilton’s elimination in SQ2 compounds Ferrari’s qualifying woes. With rain forecast for tomorrow, their race pace could be the wildcard.
Weather Watch
Dry and sunny conditions prevailed today, with air temperatures at 17.9°C and track temperatures peaking at 33.6°C. However, forecasts predict high winds and rain for tomorrow’s Sprint, which could dramatically alter the competitive order.
What to Expect in the Sprint
The short run to Turn 1 at Interlagos often produces drama, and with Norris, Antonelli, and Piastri in the top three, expect aggressive moves early. Verstappen will be desperate to recover, while Alonso and Stroll could play spoilers for the front-runners. Wet weather could turn the Sprint into a strategic lottery.
Sprint Start Time:
Local: 11:00 (São Paulo)
UTC: 14:00
Tomorrow’s 24-lap dash promises high stakes for the championship and plenty of action in unpredictable conditions. Norris may have the advantage now, but in Brazil, nothing is guaranteed.