Having taken pole in yesterday’s Sprint Qualifying session, Lando Norris was able to convert the win, increasing his lead in the Drivers’ Championship standings. His closest rival, teammate Oscar Piastri shockingly crashed out of the race on lap seven, meaning Norris’ points have maximum effect on the title race.
Sprint Qualifying in Sao Paulo
In SQ1, Yuki Tsunoda took an early exit, only good enough for eighteenth. Esteban Ocon, who podiumed here in the main grand prix last year, was unable to continue his lucky streak, ending qualifying in P19. Also out in this session were Carlos Sainz (P20), Liam Lawson (P17) and Franco Colapint (P16). The Ferraris struggled throughout the session.
SQ2 was equally brutal for the Ferrari cars. Charles Leclerc spun out right before the conclusion of the session, causing a yellow flag. His teammate, Lewis Hamilton, was unable to advance out of the second instalment of qualifying. He was out in P11, with Alex Albon behind him. Pierre Gasly, also a podium sitter in 2024, could only manage thirteenth. He was followed by Gabriel Bortoleto and Oliver Bearman.
Norris charged to pole in SQ3. Early in the session, the Mercedes cars looked in control. Kimi Antonelli was on provisional pole, with George Russell two tenths behind him. Norris immediately responded, posting a time quicker than both. Piastri could not best either Mercedes.
For a short while it looked as though Max Verstappen could take pole, after he posted the quickest first sector overall. He fell away in the middle and final sectors, ending the day in sixth position. Fernando Alonso posted a great time to secure P4, but was past by Russell. His final P5 was a solid performance for the Aston Martin team.
Sprint Race
The title fight continued in the Sprint Race. Norris started on pole, while Piastri began the race in P3 just behind Antonelli who had a good performance in qualifying for this race.
Hamilton really launched his race well at the start, storming through to P8. Nico Hulkenberg was also flying, but was passed by the Briton.
Lap six saw Piastri plunge into the wall; his race ended instantly. Colapinto and Bortoleto also hit the barriers at turn three, the same turn as Piastri, and on the same lap. It was a highly confusing few moments as these cars crashed. Piastri and Colapinto retired from the race. The session was red flagged following this incident.
During the stoppage of the session, Verstappen complained about lack of grip, noting how the track was wet. His point was proven as he went wide, losing precious time, just after the restart. This caused a fight between the Dutchman and Alonso, both pursuing P4. This battle ended quickly, as Alonso got caught in a battle with Leclerc.
By Lap 17, things seemed more settled. Further back in the order, the Haas cars were on the hunt for Lawson, wanting to overtaken him to reach P13. Ocon and Bearman were able to overtake him in the laps that followed, but neither could overtake Isack Hadjar in the other RB.
At the front, Antonelli stayed close with Norris, chasing the victory. After an error by Alonso, Leclerc was able to pass the Aston Martin.
Bortoleto crashed again in an enormous accident on lap 24. Going away from the racing line in turn one in an attempt to overtake Due to this, a yellow flag was raised, meaning the drivers on track could not overtake in the run up to the line. The race finished under these conditions.
Points Positions
- Lando Norris
- Kimi Antonelli
- George Russell
- Max Verstappen
- Charles Leclerc
- Fernando Alonso
- Lewis Hamilton
- Pierre Gasly
Lots of incidents already in Interlagos. Will there be more to come in tomorrow’s main race?
Written and edited by Alexandra.
Featured image credit: GETTY IMAGES via bbc.com
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