Sprint Qualifying Report - Lando Norris storms to Brazil sprint pole

Lando Norris
© McLaren

Lando Norris secured Formula 1 sprint pole for the Brazilian Grand Prix, leading a McLaren-Mercedes 1-3 ahead of Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Oscar Piastri, as Max Verstappen struggled to sixth for Red Bull.

In a tight SQ3 at Interlagos, Norris set the benchmark early with a 1m09.271s before improving to 1m09.243 on his second effort. The Briton looked composed and confident throughout both runs, carrying momentum from his strong FP1 performance earlier in the day. Antonelli impressed again in his Mercedes W16, narrowly missing out on pole by 0.097s after a smooth final sector on his second flyer. Piastri completed the top three, just 0.185s adrift, while George Russell took fourth with a 1m09.495s.

Fernando Alonso continued Aston Martin’s recent resurgence by taking fifth with 1m09.496s, holding off Verstappen, whose 1m09.580s lap left him frustrated with the Red Bull’s balance. “The car is completely broken,” the Dutchman complained over team radio, summing up a difficult session for the reigning world champion.

Lance Stroll followed in seventh for Aston Martin, ahead of Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari (1m09.725s), while Isack Hadjar again starred for Racing Bulls, placing ninth with a 1m09.775s. Nico Hulkenberg completed the SQ3 lineup for Sauber, setting 1m09.935s.

Earlier segments saw Alonso briefly top SQ2 on mediums with a 1m09.330s, leading Norris and Piastri, while Verstappen narrowly escaped elimination after describing his car as “a handful.” Lewis Hamilton was the high-profile casualty, finishing 11th after a late lock-up prevented him from improving.

Behind him, Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon were eliminated in 13th and 12th respectively, while home rookie Gabriel Bortoleto finished 14th for Sauber ahead of Haas driver Oliver Bearman. Franco Colapinto, whose 2026 Alpine contract was confirmed ahead of the session, missed out on SQ2 by fractions in 16th.

In SQ1, Norris had already signaled his pace by topping the times on mediums with a 1m09.627s, three tenths clear of Verstappen and Piastri. Conditions remained warm and stable throughout, though grip was limited in the first sector due to light overnight rain.

With Norris heading the grid for Saturday’s sprint ahead of Antonelli, Piastri, and Russell, McLaren appear in strong shape to extend their recent momentum — while Verstappen faces a recovery challenge from the third row.