Lando Norris Clinches Pole Position at 2025 Brazilian Grand Prix in Interlagos
Lando Norris clinched pole position at the 2025 Brazilian Grand Prix, leading a competitive grid with championship implications ahead of Sunday's race.
- • Lando Norris secured pole position with a 1:09.511 lap time at Interlagos.
- • Kimi Antonelli and Charles Leclerc qualified second and third, respectively.
- • Max Verstappen qualified 16th, severely impacting his championship chances.
- • Gabriel Bortoleto, after a crash, will start last and was reported unharmed.
Key details
Lando Norris secured a commanding pole position at the 2025 Brazilian Grand Prix qualifying session held at Interlagos, solidifying his lead in the championship race. Norris clocked an impressive lap time of 1:09.511, setting the stage for a strong performance in Sunday's main race. This achievement adds to Norris's momentum, as he already earned 8 points from the Sprint race, giving him a 9-point advantage over his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri, who will start fourth on the grid.
Kimi Antonelli from Mercedes qualified in second place, closely followed by Ferrari's Charles Leclerc securing third. The grid lineup reflects a tightly contested battle among top drivers, with McLaren firmly in control having already clinched the Constructors' Championship. Meanwhile, Mercedes and Ferrari are engaged in an intense fight for second place, currently separated by just six points. However, Mercedes may face challenges after Lewis Hamilton qualified poorly in 13th place, potentially impacting their strategy.
The qualifying rounds saw setbacks for Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who surprisingly performed below expectations and will start 16th, placing his title hopes in jeopardy. Brazilian driver Gabriel Bortoleto had a severe crash during the Sprint race and will start last due to car damage that couldn't be repaired in time, though he was confirmed to be unharmed.
The final grid highlights Norris's dominance and sets up an exciting race with championship implications still at stake. McLaren's strength in qualifying and race pace makes them favorites, but with fierce competition from Ferrari and Mercedes, the Brazilian Grand Prix promises thrilling action.
"It was a great lap, and I'm happy to be starting on pole here at Interlagos," said Lando Norris following qualifying. Gabriel Bortoleto expressed disappointment but relief after his crash, stating he was fine and looking forward to the race despite starting last.
With the championship nearing its decisive moments, Sunday's race in São Paulo is poised to be pivotal for the drivers and teams fighting for top honors.