Norris Secures Sao Paulo Grand Prix Pole After Sprint Victory

Sao Paulo Grand Prix Qualifying – Interlagos, Brazil

Lando Norris continued his outstanding form by storming to pole position for the 2025 Sao Paulo Grand Prix, just hours after winning the sprint race to extend his championship lead.

Despite a lock-up on his first Q3 lap, the McLaren driver delivered under pressure on his final run, clocking a blistering lap time to beat Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli by 0.174 seconds.

It marked another statement weekend from the Briton, who now leads the title standings with just a few rounds to go.

Norris Rises After Early Setback

Norris found himself down in P10 after an error at Turn One on his first Q3 run but bounced back with a clinical final lap at Interlagos. Speaking after qualifying, he said:

“Locking up into Turn One puts unnecessary pressure on myself, but when I’m in a good rhythm, I can deliver. I’m very happy.”

Antonelli Continues to Impress for Mercedes

Teenage sensation Kimi Antonelli once again proved he belongs at the top level, following his strong sprint result with P2 in qualifying.

“It was very tough to put a lap together in the wind,” the 19-year-old said. “A bit annoyed to be behind Lando again, but overall happy with the lap.”

Verstappen Stunned by Early Exit

Max Verstappen won the 2024 Sao Paulo Grand Prix after starting 17th because of a grid penalty

It was a shocking Q1 for Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who failed to make it out of the first session for the first time since Russia 2021.

“I had no grip. Just no feeling,” Verstappen admitted after experimenting with major setup changes between the sprint and qualifying.

Qualifying Top 10 – Sao Paulo GP:

1. Lando Norris (McLaren)

2. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)

3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)

4. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)

5. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls)

6. George Russell (Mercedes)

7. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls)

8. Oliver Bearman (Haas)

9. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)

10. Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber)

Key Notes:

• Oscar Piastri, who crashed out in the sprint and now trails Norris by nine points, will start fourth.

• Charles Leclerc splits the McLarens in P3.

• Lewis Hamilton starts down in 13th after struggling with setup changes in Q2.

• Oliver Bearman impressed again, making Q3 and starting eighth.

• Gabriel Bortoleto, racing at home, failed to qualify after a heavy sprint crash.

Championship Implications

Norris’ pole further tightens his grip on the title race, while Verstappen’s Q1 exit puts a serious dent in his fading championship hopes. Antonelli continues to rise as a serious contender and possible future team leader at Mercedes.

All eyes now turn to Sunday’s Grand Prix, with McLaren starting from both P1 and P4—a prime opportunity for the team to take maximum points.