Norris takes sprint pole in São Paulo

Written by Jason Sharp

Norris beats Antonelli to sprint pole by 0.097 seconds. Credit: Formula One

With just one single hour of practice under their belt, the drivers had to be ready for Sprint Qualifying at Interlagos, a venue that has hosted a sprint weekend every year since the format was introduced in 2021.  

It was Lando Norris who came out on top, continuing his form shown in Mexico. The Briton edged out Kimi Antonelli who showed that Mercedes can challenge.

SQ1 – Norris comfortably leads as Sainz knocked out

All drivers put on the medium tyres for the first part of sprint qualifying. The 12-minute session saw the McLarens continue their form with Norris setting a time of 1:09.702.

Ferrari showed a lack of true pace after an inconclusive practice session running only the hard tyres. Both drivers were pushing hard to ensure a safe progression into SQ2.

The most disappointed drivers of the session were Yuki Tsunoda in P18, who was compromised after his crash in practice, and Carlos Sainz in P20 for Williams.

SQ1 Exits

P16 – Franco Colapinto

P17 – Liam Lawson

P18 – Yuki Tsunoda

P19 – Esteban Ocon

P20 – Carlos Sainz

Carlos Sainz will start P20 tomorrow. Credit: Formula One

SQ2 – Alonso on top as Hamilton eliminated

The track temperature increased, and times got quicker in SQ2, and McLaren continued their form, but it was Fernando Alonso with the quickest time of 1:09.330.

Lewis Hamilton did not make it to the line in time to improve and will start P11 tomorrow. It was double frustration for Ferrari as Leclerc spun out of turn 10 when applying the power, just making it through in P9.

Lance Stroll demonstrated the Aston Martin’s pace making it into SQ3, and Nico Hulkenberg made it through in his Sauber on the day that marks 15 years since his maiden pole position.

SQ2 Exits

P11 – Lewis Hamilton

P12 – Alexander Albon

P13 - Pierre Gasly

P14 – Gabriel Bortoleto

P15 – Oliver Bearman

A frustrated Leclerc spins at the end of SQ2. Credit: Formula One

 SQ3 – Norris edges out Antonelli

Lando Norris continues his title bid by taking pole with a 1:09.243, just 0.097 seconds ahead of Kimi Antonelli who made some small mistakes on his final lap.

Oscar Piastri could only manage P3, missing out by 0.185 seconds, with Russell in P4 and Fernando Alonso rounding out an all Mercedes powered top five.

Max Verstappen languished in P6, struggling with his Red Bull and Charles Leclerc could only achieve P8 in his Ferrari.

Top 10

P1 – Lando Norris

P2 – Kimi Antonelli

P3 – Oscar Piastri

P4 – George Russell

P5 – Fernando Alonso

P6 – Max Verstappen

P7 – Lance Stroll

P8 – Charles Leclerc

P9 – Isaac Hadjar

P10 – Nico Hulkenberg

Norris is the fifth different driver to take sprint pole at Interlagos. Credit: Formula 1

 Looking ahead

A potentially rain affected weekend and a 24-lap sprint race tomorrow will produce high drama and offer eight points to the winner, crucial numbers in a title fight currently split by a single point.

Antonelli will be on the front row with Norris and has shown with Russell that Mercedes will have a chance to fight the McLarens.

Both Piastri and Verstappen will be desperate to push forwards, ensuring Norris does not increase his championship lead, and Ferrari will want to turn their weekend around as both of their drivers have struggled.

There are many questions to be answered tomorrow, but the biggest one being: can Norris become the fifth different sprint winner at Interlagos?