Norris Secures Pole as Verstappen Starts Sixth in Brazil Sprint

Lando Norris takes sprint pole at Interlagos, his first of 2025, delivering two decisive laps in a tense, low‑margin session.

His 1m09.243 sec lap leads the field as McLaren’s momentum builds. Oscar Piastri is third, two tenths back, with Kimi Antonelli splitting them to take second.

Antonelli survives an SQ1 scare, scraping through in 15th, then executes cleanly to secure a front‑row start for Mercedes. George Russell is fourth by 0.001s over Fernando Alonso.

Alonso tops SQ2 but slips to fifth on the final runs. Max Verstappen can only manage sixth, fighting RB21 balance issues that blunt rotation and traction through Interlagos’s changeable sections.

His best of 1m09.580 leaves him adrift of Norris, with Red Bull still chasing the set‑up window before the sprint. Grid position adds pressure to championship management.

Lance Stroll secures seventh for Aston Martin, its best qualifying of the season’s second half. Charles Leclerc is eighth after a difficult Friday for Ferrari pace and balance.

Rookie Isack Hadjar and Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg complete the top ten, offering both teams a useful springboard for sprint points.

SQ2 turns on Leclerc’s late spin at Bico de Pato, triggering double‑waved yellows that derail several laps. Lewis Hamilton aborts and ends 11th.

Hamilton is under investigation for possible non‑compliance with yellow‑flag requirements, leaving Mercedes braced for stewards’ scrutiny and potential grid changes.

Alex Albon and Pierre Gasly drop out in SQ2 despite earlier speed. Yuki Tsunoda ends 18th after missing SQ2 by three tenths.

Carlos Sainz qualifies 20th and last, voicing frustration at Williams’ performance trajectory as set‑up changes fail to unlock grip.

Gabriel Bortoleto, Ollie Bearman, Franco Colapinto, Liam Lawson and Esteban Ocon also fall in SQ1. Colapinto, re‑signed by Alpine for 2026, finishes 16th.

Norris will launch ahead of Antonelli and Piastri for the sprint. Starts and tyre warm‑up into Turn 1 should define early control.

With Verstappen sixth, strategic risk tolerance shifts. Red Bull may manage tyres conservatively, while McLaren and Mercedes target maximum points before Sunday’s grand prix.

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Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.