Lando Norris has secured pole position for the 2026 Formula 1 São Paulo Grand Prix at the Interlagos circuit, marking his third consecutive pole in Brazil. The McLaren driver achieved this feat during a challenging qualifying session that was heavily disrupted by torrential rain, which caused significant delays and forced the session to last two and a half hours. Norris clocked a time of 1m 27.470s on intermediate tyres, showcasing his skill in the treacherous conditions.
George Russell of Mercedes, who set the second fastest time, faced a grid penalty that ultimately promoted Kimi Antonelli, the newly crowned world champion, to the second spot on the starting grid. The qualifying session was marked by red flags, particularly in Q1, as standing water made the track perilous for the drivers. This led to over an hour of stoppage before the session could resume, adding to the drama of the day.S1S2
The rain-soaked conditions at Interlagos have become a hallmark of the Brazilian Grand Prix, often leading to unpredictable outcomes. Norris's ability to navigate the wet track effectively has positioned him as a strong contender for the race ahead. As the teams prepare for the main event, all eyes will be on how the drivers adapt to the changing weather conditions that have characterized this year's race weekend.S3S4