Norris beats Russell to pole position in dramatic rain-affected Sao Paolo Qualifying

Lando Norris came out on top in a test of bravery at the rain-soaked Interlagos circuit, with the McLaren driver securing pole position for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix after severe delays to the session.

The Brazilian weather once again made for an exhilarating Qualifying as drivers took on the challenge of a wet track, and Norris posted a 1m 27.470s to deny Mercedes’ George Russell and Kimi Antonelli top spot.

Russell will be demoted following a five-place grid penalty, but qualified ahead of his team mate, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc – who will also lose 10 positions for Sunday’s race – and Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson.

Nico Hulkenberg was a magnificent sixth for Audi as the conditions created chances for the midfield, with Isack Hadjar slotting into seventh. Haas’ Ollie Bearman, Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso and Williams’ Alex Albon rounded out the top 10 in some of the greatest Qualifying performances of the season for their respective teams.

Further incoming penalties for Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen will see them tumble to the back of the grid, so neither was too stressed about being eliminated in Q2 – indeed, the Dutchman didn’t participate at all.

Behind the 11th-placed Ferrari driver, Oscar Piastri suffered his second consecutive Q2 exit as a late red flag for Rafael Camara’s crash prevented him from improving and left the Brazilian rookie in P13.

An order to stop the car also resigned Arvid Lindblad to P14 – he led Williams’ Carlos Sainz and the penalised Verstappen as the final drivers who failed to progress to Q3.

Earlier in Qualifying, a breathless opening segment saw Alpine’s Franco Colapinto and Pierre Gasly knocked out as they crossed the line in tandem, leaving them in P17 and P18 ahead of Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll.

Cadillac failed to capitalise on the challenging weather as Valtteri Bottas settled for P20 in front of his team mate Sergio Perez, whilst Gabriel Bortoleto wound up last on the times after hitting the wall in Q1.