Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Norris Takes São Paulo Sprint and Pole as Verstappen Slumps to 16th Start

The title picture shifts after a red-flagged sprint in changeable conditions, leaving Max Verstappen facing a deep-grid fightback.

Overview

  • Lando Norris extended his championship lead to nine points by winning the sprint, adding pole position for Sunday to cap a dominant Saturday.
  • Oscar Piastri exited the sprint after striking a wet Turn 3 kerb on lap six but later qualified fourth for the grand prix.
  • Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli will line up alongside Norris on the front row, with Charles Leclerc third after qualifying on a drying track.
  • Max Verstappen suffered a rare Q1 elimination and will start 16th, reporting "zero grip" as Red Bull posted its first double Q1 exit since 2006.
  • Multiple crashes at Turn 3 prompted barrier repairs and a rolling restart in the sprint, and Sauber confirmed Gabriel Bortoleto was uninjured after a separate heavy last-lap crash.