Formula 1 | Piastri takes F1 Sprint pole at Interlagos ahead of Norris

After just one free practice session, it is already time for a first qualifying session at Interlagos, for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. The hierarchy is an absolute unknown after a single session marked by very small gaps and a difficult track to tame.

Indeed, the Interlagos asphalt was one of the great disappointments of this first hour of testing, because the drivers discovered a tarmac ribbon with numerous bumps, while they were precisely hoping for an improvement in the running quality on a track. historically bumpy.

With four teams in the top 5 and eight teams in the top 11 during Free Practice, it is difficult to say who will be favorite for this first serious timer of the weekend. In addition, the peloton was in 1″3, and each error will be decisive.

However, McLaren F1 looked in good form, as did Mercedes and Ferrari. Max Verstappen and Red Bull were behind, while Oliver Bearman was seen moving into the top 3, as he replaces Kevin Magnussen in the Haas, for now for the start of the weekend.

SQ1 – 12 minutes – Pneus mediums

Under changing and increasingly deteriorating weather, the Ferrari drivers took to the track first and Charles Leclerc set the best time in 1’11″654, while Carlos Sainz was six tenths behind his teammate. Lance Stroll came between them, as did Valtteri Bottas.

Pierre Gasly did better than Leclerc in 1’11″630, and Esteban Ocon did even better in 1’11″520. But Sergio Pérez immediately beat them in 1’11″162. Alex Albon also did better in 1’11″015. George Russell accelerated in 1’10″870.

The track was clearly making progress, between the cars sweeping and the temperatures dropping. Lewis Hamilton failed by less than a tenth of his teammate, who complained of difficult brakes to manage.

Lando Norris clocked 1’10″672, which gave him the lead, but Liam Lawson beat him in 1’10″576. Oscar Piastri did better in 1’10″265, while Verstappen was on a fast lap. Nico Hülkenberg placed second, and Verstappen fourth.

Franco Colapinto’s time was deleted for non-compliance with track limits. With showers not far from the circuit, the Ferrari drivers returned to the track. Leclerc moved up to second position, and Sainz to fourth place.

Verstappen moved up to second, and Pérez placed himself just in front of his teammate. Tsunoda moved up to 12th, Leclerc got back in front of the Red Bulls and Alonso took 11th time. Stroll took the 15th time and Bearman the fifth time, just ahead of Hülkenberg.

Gasly took the 11th time, and Ocon set the 15th time, but Bottas eliminated him by placing 13th. Norris set the absolute best time in 1’09″477. Albon placed third and Colapinto ninth.

The eliminated are Alonso, Ocon, Tsunoda, Stroll and Zhou.

SQ2 – 10 minutes – Pneus mediums

During SQ1, we learned that Charles Leclerc will have to pass in front of the race stewards’ office. The FIA ​​continues its fights and wants to hear the Monegasque for the fact that he said “Fuck” during the press conference in Mexico after the race. Leclerc, however, immediately apologized and spoke with an official.

Russell took the best time in 1’09″683, but Norris went straight to a time of 1’09″063, the best of the day. Sainz intervened and Leclerc placed himself behind Russell, but in front of Gasly and Bottas. Piastri took third time.

Verstappen set the second fastest time while saying his car “doesn’t turn” in Turn 4, and Pérez did no better than the eighth fastest time on his first attempt. Albon placed eighth and Hamilton tenth.

The Williams drivers did not try to repeat the time when Colapinto was already in the elimination zone. Hülkenberg took ninth time, and Bearman moved up to fifth!

Russell was only sixth fastest, and Lawson took ninth fastest. Gasly improved but was already eighth, moving up to eighth. Pérez was called back to the pits before the end of his lap: “We’re not going to pass, come in.”

Piastri moved up to second place, confirming that the McLaren is very strong. Leclerc set the third time, and Hamilton did no better than 11th place, narrowly saving Albon.

Those eliminated are Hamilton, Hülkenberg, Pérez, Colapinto and Bottas.

SQ3 – 8 minutes – Soft tires

There is no doubt that Pérez’s new poor performance, while Lawson is in Q3, will not go unnoticed by Red Bull. A special mention to Bearman who beat Hülkenberg for this Sprint Qualification.

Norris, Piastri and Albon went out on the track, possibly for fear of the rain. The Australian driver set a time of 1’09″225, beaten by Norris in 1’08″928! Albon logically took third place in 1’10″078.

All the drivers came out for a quick run, except Albon. Bearman made a small mistake in turn 2. Gasly finished third, and Bearman placed fourth. Lawson came between Bearman and Albon.

But Bearman’s time was canceled for his mistake at turn 2! Sainz took third time, and Leclerc got in between the McLarens. Piastri did better than Norris in 1’08″899! Norris did not finish his lap, and Verstappen finished with the fourth time, and Russell the sixth.

Piastri will be on pole for the Sprint ahead of Norris, with a 100% McLaren front row. Leclerc will be third ahead of Verstappen, then Sainz and Russell, Gasly and Lawson, and finally Albon and Bearman.