Lando Norris takes pole position in São Paulo / Penalties change the starting grid

Lando Norris will start from pole position in the São Paulo Formula 1 Grand Prix after setting the fastest time in qualifying on Saturday at the Interlagos circuit in wet conditions. The McLaren driver was timed at 1:27.470 and secured the 20th pole position of his career, his third consecutive one at Interlagos, following those in 2024 and 2025.

George Russell finished second, 204 thousandths of a second behind, while Kimi Antonelli took third place. Charles Leclerc, Liam Lawson, Nico Hülkenberg, Isack Hadjar, Oliver Bearman, Fernando Alonso and Alex Albon completed the top ten in qualifying.

However, the final order on the starting grid will be changed by technical penalties. Russell will lose five places, Leclerc ten, while Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen will start from the back of the field. Verstappen did not take part in Q2, while Hamilton was eliminated in the same session.

Qualifying was interrupted by a red flag caused by Rafael Camara's crash. The incident prevented Oscar Piastri from improving his time, and the Australian finished the session in 12th place, failing to qualify for Q3. Gabriel Bortoleto was last after making contact with the barrier in Q1.