Lando Norris clinches pole in rain‑soaked São Paulo qualifying
Norris tops the grid for the 2026 Brazilian Grand Prix after a dramatic wet qualifying session, while George Russell expresses frustration over his own lap.
Lando Norris secured pole position for the 2026 São Paulo Grand Prix, delivering a masterclass in wet‑weather driving that saw him edge out the competition by a slim margin. The British driver posted a best lap of 1:10.842 on a water‑slick track, a time that proved just enough to keep him ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, according to Formula1.com’s live coverage.
The qualifying session was marked by intermittent rain that turned the Interlagos circuit into a treacherous testing ground. Teams struggled to find the optimal tyre compound, with many opting for the intermediate tyres before switching to full wets as the downpour intensified. Norris, who started the session from third on the grid, timed his final flying lap perfectly as the track reached its wettest point, capitalising on a brief window of reduced traffic.
Mercedes’ George Russell, who qualified second, voiced his frustration on the team radio, lamenting that a small mistake on his final lap cost him the pole. Sky Sports F1 reported Russell’s comments, noting his disappointment but also his confidence that the race pace would still be competitive. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc rounded out the top three, his qualifying effort hampered by a brief loss of grip on the main straight.
For Indian fans, the São Paulo Grand Prix will be broadcast live on FanCode with a start time of 02:30 IST on Sunday. The race promises an exciting showdown as the wet conditions that defined qualifying could persist, offering Norris a strategic advantage from the front of the grid. Viewers can also follow team radio feeds and live timing on the FanCode app for real‑time updates.
Looking ahead, Norris’s pole adds pressure on Red Bull’s championship rivals, especially as the season approaches its final stretch. The British driver’s performance in Brazil could be a pivotal moment in his bid for the 2026 title, while Russell and Leclerc will be eager to bounce back in the race.
Source: Formula1.com