Formula 1 in Sao Paulo

Qualifying: Norris takes pole, debacle for Red Bull

Lando Norris remains the measure of all things in Brazil. The world championship leader snatched pole.(Bild: AP/Associated Press/Andre Penner)

Lando Norris remains confident in São Paulo and secures pole position for Sunday's race. Red Bull, meanwhile, experienced a qualifying debacle: Max Verstappen (16th) and Yuki Tsunoda (19th) were eliminated in Q1. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli finished in second place, with Charles Leclerc in third. Norris' stable rival Oscar Piastri could only manage fourth place. 

The Red Bull star stayed on the track in the first qualifying phase and then radioed a smug "brilliant" to the pits. After fourth place in the previous sprint, the set-up for the time trial had gone completely wrong. "I have zero grip," said the Dutchman and spoke of a lack of confidence in his car. Verstappen last stumbled in Q1 at Sochi 2021. As Yuki Tsunoda only managed 19th place, qualifying was over for both Red Bulls after the first phase for the first time since Japan 2006.

Norris' perfect day began with a commanding sprint win
Because Norris celebrated a commanding start-finish victory in the sprint, Piastri is now nine points behind and Verstappen 39 points behind. There are still three races to go after Brazil. Of course, everything is set for Norris in the main race on Sunday (18:00 in the sportkrone.at ticker).