Lando Norris dominates in the rain and takes pole position at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix
British driver Lando Norris, representing the McLaren team, secured pole position in an exciting and incident-filled qualifying session for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. At the iconic Interlagos circuit, Norris demonstrated his skill on the wet asphalt, achieving his fourth pole of the season and the twentieth of his career in the pinnacle of motorsport.
With a time of 1 minute, 27 seconds, and 470 thousandths, the Briton surpassed his compatriot George Russell, from Mercedes, on a day where weather conditions were the undisputed protagonists. The session, which had to be interrupted by a red flag during Q1 due to intense rain, tested the management capacity of all the teams.
Strategic moves on the grid
Following the conclusion of qualifying, the final starting grid underwent significant modifications due to a series of penalties that altered the expected order. Although George Russell achieved a competitive time, a five-place penalty forced him to drop back, allowing Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) to move up to second place, while Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) will start from the third position.
Fernando Alonso shines at Interlagos
One of the highlights of the day was the performance of veteran Fernando Alonso. The Asturian managed to reach Q3 for the first time so far this season, a milestone that gives his team hope. After setting the ninth fastest time, Alonso will climb to the eighth position on the starting grid, benefiting from the ten-place penalty applied to Charles Leclerc.
The two-time world champion will start the race from the fourth row at the track where he achieved glory in 2005 and 2006, looking to capitalize on his experience on a Sunday that promises to be complex due to the state of the track.
Complex situation for Verstappen and Pérez
The back of the grid presents an unusual panorama for the championship leaders. Max Verstappen, Red Bull’s four-time world champion, will start the race from the twenty-first position. For his part, the Mexican Sergio Pérez will face a greater challenge by starting from last place, conditioned by a 30-position penalty that complicates his aspirations at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace.
- Carlos Sainz (Williams) will start from 13th place.
- Franco Colapinto (Alpine) will begin the race from 15th position.
The Sao Paulo Grand Prix will take place this Sunday, November 8th, with a starting grid highly conditioned by penalties and unpredictable weather that promises to keep the tension high until the final lap.
