Lando Norris claimed pole position after a hugely challenging Sao Paulo Grand Prix qualifying in treacherous wet conditions. Qualifying was suspended for over 80 minutes after a torrential downpour hit drivers' first laps of Q1. The rain eased but never stopped, allowing a thrilling battle for pole.
In the end, Norris came out ahead as conditions worsened again in Q3 to seal a third successive Interlagos pole position. Mercedes' George Russell was second fastest but knew he carried a five-place grid penalty for an engine change, meaning he could not achieve pole. He lapped 0.204s slower than Norris and from second will drop to seventh on Sunday's grid.
New world champion Kimi Antonelli qualified third but will move ahead of Russell to the front row alongside Norris. Charles Leclerc was fourth for Ferrari but has a 10-place penalty for an engine change, dropping him into the midfield. Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen will start at the back of the grid after both dropped out in Q2 and taking new power units respectively.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing