(Sao Paulo) The Briton Lando Norris, currently second in the Formula 1 World Championship, will start in the leading position of the Brazilian Grand Prix ahead of his compatriot George Russell (Mercedes), second in chaotic qualifying postponed to Sunday due to rain , and very far ahead of leader Max Verstappen, 17e.
Posted at 7:52 a.m.
Under the very overcast sky of Sao Paulo – the rain came again during qualifying – the Japanese Yuki Tsunoda (Racing Bulls), 3esigned the best performance of his career in qualifying. He will start from the second row alongside Frenchman Esteban Ocon (Alpine).
The third row went to New Zealander Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) and Monegasque Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), 6e.
Author of 12e best time in qualifying, but having previously received a sanction of five places due to a change of engine, Verstappen will only start 17e (out of 20).
On the once again soggy Interlagos circuit, the Dutchman from Red Bull was notably the victim of a red flag at the very end of the second part of qualifying (Q2), stopping him in his tracks in an attempt to snatch his ticket. for Q3, where the leading position among the ten fastest is fought over.
Indeed, less than a minute from the end of Q2, Canadian Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) went off the track, leading to the third interruption of the session, and the premature end of this second part of qualifying.
PHOTO MIGUEL SCHINCARIOL, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
The cars of Lance Stroll (front) and Franco Colapinto are taken off the track after their accidents during the qualifying session.
In total, five red flags punctuated qualifying: in addition to Stroll, his teammate Fernando Alonso also went off the track, as did the Argentinian Franco Colapinto (Williams), the Thai Alexander Albon (William) and Carlos Sainz, who heavily damaged his Ferrari.
If these drivers were to break the “parc ferme” regime – when teams are not allowed to touch F1 cars – to repair the single-seaters, Verstappen could then move up the hierarchy.
“Mad Max” could also benefit from a boost from the rain – in which it can perform well – since it is still expected for the Grand Prix.
On Saturday afternoon, qualifying had to be postponed due to heavy rains that fell in the Sao Paulo region, degrading visibility on the track.
The rain, which is currently falling intermittently on the circuit, has pushed F1 and the FIA has brought forward the start time of the Grand Prix, which must now take place from 12:30 p.m. local instead of 2 p.m. .
In the championship, before this 21e round (out of 24) during which up to 26 points will be up for grabs, Verstappen is 44 points ahead of his rival Norris.
Consult the starting grid
View the Drivers’ Championship standings
