In a dramatic and unpredictable qualifying session at Interlagos, McLaren's Lando Norris soared to a spectacular pole position for the São Paulo Grand Prix, capitalising on a disastrous day for his teammate and the reigning world champion.
Norris delivered a blistering final lap of 1 minute 10.022 seconds to claim the top spot on the grid, continuing his impressive late-season form. The British driver's performance provided a stunning climax to a session filled with incident and surprise.
Chaos for Piastri and Verstappen
The qualifying hour proved particularly costly for two of Norris's key rivals. His McLaren teammate, Oscar Piastri, saw his session end abruptly when he lost control of his car at the high-speed Ferradura corner. The Australian's crash brought out the red flags and prematurely ended his qualifying hopes.
Meanwhile, Max Verstappen endured a rare off-day with his Red Bull, struggling to find the car's sweet spot around the challenging Interlagos circuit. The three-time world champion could only manage a disappointing seventh place on the grid, a significant setback in his quest for victory.
Ferrari Capitalise on Red Bull's Struggles
With Verstappen faltering, Ferrari seized the opportunity to secure strong grid positions. Charles Leclerc qualified second, just 0.092 seconds behind Norris, setting up an intriguing front-row battle for Sunday's race. Carlos Sainz will start from third position, completing a strong team performance for the Italian outfit.
The Mercedes team of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell qualified fourth and fifth respectively, showing improved pace but still unable to challenge for the front row. The qualifying results set up a fascinating strategic battle for the main event, with tyre management expected to play a crucial role in the outcome.
Norris's pole position marks another highlight in his breakthrough season and gives him a prime opportunity to convert his qualifying pace into a much-coveted race victory. With championship positions still to be decided and multiple teams showing competitive pace, the stage is set for a thrilling São Paulo Grand Prix.
