SAO PAULO – Lando Norris took the chance to extend his one-point lead in Formula 1 by securing pole position in the sprint race at the Brazilian Grand Prix on Saturday.
Of his title rivals, McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri will start third, with Red Bull's Max Verstappen sixth.
“It was tough and we did a good job,” Norris said Friday.
Norris wins in Mexico City and leads Piastri in the individual standings by one point. Verstappen was 36 points behind.
In sprint pole, Norris was just 0.097 seconds ahead of Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, with Piastri just 0.185 seconds behind.
“We did the job we had to do and we had to be the fastest today,” Norris said.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella was delighted with the results. Norris and Piastri were also 1-2 in Friday's first practice.
“The mood is very positive,” Stella said. “We have everything we need. We have a fast car, two fast drivers, a prepared and determined team and we will definitely continue to fight until the last corner in Abu Dhabi.”
Piastri has been struggling lately; he has lost five races and has not been on the podium since Monza in Italy two months ago, when he finished third.
Verstappen, who is aiming to become the fourth driver to win five world titles, knows how to win in Brazil after victories in 2019, 2023 and 2024 when he fought from 17th at the start.
“We're very excited about the idea that we can be the ones trying to stop Verstappen's dominance,” Stella said.
The Dutchman showed excellent endurance on Interlagos, a circuit with ups and downs and varying gradients. The middle sector is where the corners are slow, where aerodynamic downforce can make a difference.
The track is also known for sudden weather changes. Showers are expected late Saturday and throughout Sunday. A year ago, qualifying was canceled and moved to Sunday due to torrential downpours.
“It was a good day for us, but we’ll see tomorrow,” Piastri said with a smile. “It will rain, so everyone take a raincoat with you.”
