Lando Norris claims pole position in Sprint Qualifying at the 2025 Brazilian Grand Prix. The Championship leader will line up ahead of Kimi Antonelli and Oscar Piastri.
Norris put in an impressive performance to secure his first Sprint Pole position. After a dominant first run around Interlagos, Norris went even quicker in his final effort.
So Far This Weekend…
Norris topped the only free practice session this weekend, ahead of his Piastri and Nico Hulkenburg. Yuki Tsunoda was able to recover back into the session after spinning out in turn 4.
Off track, Alpine has renewed Franco Colapinto’s contract for the 2026 Season. Despite failing to score points so far this season, Team Principal, Flavio Bratore is confident in his decision for next season.
“Our decision to continue together for 2026 is a clear indication of our commitment and strong support for Franco as he develops as a race driver.”
Green Flags for SQ1
After limited free practice time, Tsunoda was joined on track early by Norris and Piastri. However, it was his teammate, Max Vertsappen who had the best of the early runs, edging out both McLaren’s.
With three minutes left in the first Sprint Qualifying, George Russell joined the top three, easily getting himself into the second round of qualifying.
Tsunoda continued to struggle around the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace, jumping up to only 13th before being knocked back down to 18th.
Ollie Bearman and Alex Albon were able to make the most of their second runs, jumping into fourth and sixth respectively.
Colapinto only managed 16th ahead of Liam Lawson in 17th. While Esteban Ocon managed 19th ahead of Carlos Sainz who locked up in his final run.
Sainz was vocal over his radio following his knockout, claiming it was “the worst execution” he has seen in his life. He will start tomorrow’s Sprint Race from 20th.
Shock Exit in SQ2
Hometown Hero Gabriel Bortoleto was able to progress into the second round of sprint qualifying at the 2025 Brazilian Grand Prix.
Fernando Alonso put in a superb first lap around the São Paulo circuit, endging out both Mclaren’s for the top of the timesheets.
With only two minutes left on the clock, Isack Hadjar locked up but was able to keep his car on track.
Charles Leclerc brought out double yellow flags and an early end to the session for most drivers after spinning out. With all of the drivers behind having to slow down, it was his teammate Lewis Hamilton who failed to make it to the line for his final run.
As the flag flew on the second sprint qualifying session, Hamilton was left in 11th ahead of Albon and Pierre Gasly. Bortoleto was able to finish his final run but only managed 14th ahead of Bearman in 15th.
Following the session, Hamilton was under investigation for failing to slow in yellow flag conditions. He will be investigated following the session.
Dominate Display in SQ3
It was all to play for in the final run of Sprint Qualifying at the 2025 Brazilian Grand Prix. Norris was able to grab provision pole after the first runs around Interlagos.
The Mercedes were in fine form for the final few minutes of qualifying, sitting in second and third after the first laps.
However, there were only six cars on track. With both Aston Martins, Hadjar and Verstappen choosing to stay in the pits.
With only two minutes to go, it was Piastri who was able to make improvements on his first lap. However, his teammate was able to improve again, adding an additional seven tenths to his first sprint pole of the season.
As the flag flew on Sprint Qualifying, it was Kimi Antonelli who was able to hold off Piastri for a spot on the front row. George Russell managed to hold off Alonso for fourth, while Verstappen only managed sixth.
Stroll managed to edge out Leclerc for seventh, while Hadjar will start tomorrows race in ninth ahead of Hulkenburg
Aston Martin will be hoping to hold onto their positions tomorrow and gain valuable points in the race for sixth place in the Constructor’s Championship.
Norris’ sprint pole makes the fifth different pole sitter over five sprint races in 2025. Norris will be looking to turn his pole into another win and extend his championship lead over Piastri.
The Sprint Race at the 2025 Brazilian Grand Prix will be at 11am local time (GMT-3) on Saturday.