Piastri cools Norris and takes pole sprint in Brazil

How the hell? Lando Norris Could he have let this pole position slip away? Fastest in the one and only free practice session held earlier, and clearly above the fray in SQ1 and SQ2, Lando Norris was finally beaten by Oscar piastri on the gong during the sprint qualification exercise. Thanks to an exit strategy on the track which allowed the drivers McLaren After signing two laps in SQ3, the Australian actually stole pole from his teammate at the last minute.

The Briton will nevertheless start in a good position (2nd), in the exhausts of his teammate on a track where overtaking is common. More importantly, he will start two lengths ahead Max Verstappen, only 4th. Charles Leclerc has himself placed himself between the two main protagonists for the pilot title, thanks to a successful third sector. Winner in Mexico, Carlos Sainz he is 5th.

If George Russell's 6th place seems quite anecdotal and confirms the step backwards taken by Mercedes Since last summer, 7th place in Pierre Gasly its Alpine is on the contrary extremely encouraging. The Norman conceded 7/10ths to the poleman and managed to qualify ahead of Liam Lawson, Alex Albon and Oliver Bearman. Called up at the last minute before EL1 to replace a Kevin Magnussen In pain, the Englishman shone to climb to SQ3, although his final lap was cancelled for crossing track limits.

Under pressure, Sergio Pérez (13th) did not make it past SQ2. The Mexican took the checkered flag before he could even start his last attempt. No miracle, however, for Valtteri Bottas (15th), already very happy to have qualified for the second qualifying section. Franco Colapinto is 14th, beaten by Alex Albon who himself reached SQ3. It is especially worth noting the 11th place on the grid of Lewis Hamilton, who will leave in front of a Nico Hulkenberg (12th), defeated on his side by Ollie Bearman.

Guanyu-Zhou will start the sprint 20th, behind Lance stroll (19e) and Yuki tsunoda (18th). The Japanese are not doing themselves any favours at a time of uncertainty among Red Bull concerning 2025, since Liam Lawson himself got out of SQ1 and even SQ2. Elimination also of the two former teammates at Alpine Esteban Ocon (17e) and Fernando Alonso (16e). Aston Martin is far from the performances displayed last year… The sprint kicks off this Saturday at 15 p.m. French time.

#F1SPRINT QUALIFYING CLASSIFICATION@McLarenF1 lock out the front row, Verstappen starts from fourth 👀#F1 #BrazilGP pic.twitter.com/TzDo798o7P

— Formula 1 (@F1) November 1, 2024

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