Lando Norris took over the lead after championship leader Max Verstappen was knocked out early in dramatic Sao Paulo Grand Prix qualifying, which saw five crashes.
A rain-soaked, delayed session at Interlagos on Sunday morning saw five crashes. But Norris came out on top with a great lap at the end of Q3, ahead of George Russell.
Verstappen, 44 points ahead of Norris in the Drivers’ Championship, was eliminated in Q2 but will start the race in 17th place as things stand, as he was handed a five-grid position penalty for the new engine. It will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1 at 3.30pm on Sunday, kick-off from 2pm..
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Lando Norris has strengthened his qualifications for the seal polo title at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, while title rival Max Verstappen will start 17th after a dramatic qualifying campaign.
RB’s Yuki Tsunoda took a shock third place over Alpine’s Esteban Ocon, while Liam Lawson finished fifth.
Lewis Hamilton was surprisingly eliminated in the first quarter, followed by Williams’ Franco Colapinto, Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Aston Martin’s pair of Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso. ), Alex Albon told Sky Sports he will not race due to injury.
If this is confirmed, Verstappen will start starting on the 16th.
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Lewis Hamilton struggled in the rain near Interlagos to finish 16th at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
How Norris Won the Giant Pole in Brazil
For the sixth time in F1 history, qualifying was held on a Sunday due to heavy rain on Saturday and the conditions almost eliminated Norris from Q1.
He qualified 15th through the first part of qualifying, but it was Verstappen who was eliminated in Q2 when Stroll crashed at turn three.
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Max Verstappen has questioned why red flags are not raised sooner after being eliminated in Q2 in Sao Paulo GP qualifying.
Controversially, it took 40 seconds for the session to be halted due to Stroll’s accident, during which Verstappen crashed into the bottom five and failed to make an extra lap, while Sergio Perez was also eliminated for the same reason.
Norris took full advantage after a collision between Alonso and Stroll led to two more red flags in Q3 to claim his seventh pole of the season and a big chance to take the championship lead from Verstappen.
Five major accidents that occurred in Sao Paulo GP qualifying
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A red flag was raised during qualifying due to Franco Colapinto’s massive crash.
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Carlos Sainz crashed his Ferrari in Q2 after the red flag was once again placed in Brazil.
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Lance Stroll’s crash brought Q2 to an early end as Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez were eliminated in Q3.
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Fernando Alonso became the fourth driver to hit the barrier during chaotic qualifying.
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Alex Albon had a massive collision with Williams’ barrier as the fifth red flag came out.
Live Sao Paulo GP schedule on Sky Sports F1
2pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Sao Paulo GP build-up
3:30 PM: Sao Paulo Grand Prix
5.30pm: Checkered flag: Sao Paulo GP reaction
6:30 PM: Ted’s Notes
Formula 1’s Americas triple-header concludes with the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, with a new start time of 3.30pm, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Month membership. There is no contract and you can cancel at any time.
