McLaren’s Lando Norris has claimed pole position for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, marking his third consecutive year starting at the front in Brazil. Following a qualifying session that was delayed for nearly 90 minutes due to hazardous weather, Norris described the track as having some of the wettest conditions he has ever encountered. He noted he is open to seeing more rain during Sunday’s race, despite the extreme difficulty of the track. And it came in a session that was stopped for nearly an hour and a half because conditions were too dangerous to continue when officials initially tried to start it, it was the third consecutive year in which Norris has taken pole in Brazil.
Mercedes driver George Russell, who finished second in qualifying, faced frustration following a communication error that he believes cost him the top spot.
He will start seventh due to a five-place grid penalty. Reflecting on the intense session, Russell said, “Q1 was extremely challenging. The visibility was zero down the straight into Turn Four. I was wheel-spinning in fifth gear, over 200km/h (120mph), aquaplaning. He added that while he enjoys racing in the rain, the conditions at certain points were dangerous enough that they would have been unraceable if they had occurred during an actual event, citing the high risk of a horrific incident.
The chaotic weather and various engine-related grid penalties have scrambled the starting order, creating a unique opportunity for several drivers. Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson and Audi’s Nico Hulkenberg are set to start from the second row, while Haas pilot Oliver Bearman will begin from sixth place. Additionally, both Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin and Williams’ Alex Albon secured top-10 starts for the first time this season. And Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso and Williams’ Alex Albon in eighth and ninth both made it into the top 10 for the first time in 2026, haas driver Oliver Bearman is sixth.
The grid will look very different for Sunday’s race due to multiple penalties. Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who previously won this race from 17th on the grid under wet conditions two years ago, will start 20th and 21st respectively after exceeding their engine allowance for the year. Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc, who qualified fourth, will drop 10 places due to an engine usage penalty.
Forecasts currently suggest light rain for Sunday, keeping both teams and drivers on alert. Given the reputation of the Interlagos circuit for unpredictable weather, the paddock remains open-minded regarding what challenges the race may bring. I’m not even sure what the word is to describe it.
