Lando Norris Secures Sprint Pole; Oscar Piastri Takes Third at Interlagos Grand Prix
Lando Norris emerged victorious in sprint qualifying at the Interlagos Grand Prix, securing the sprint pole position. His teammate, Oscar Piastri, followed closely in third place, setting the stage for an exciting race weekend.
Lando Norris Takes Sprint Pole at Interlagos
Norris dominated all three sessions of the sprint qualifying. His performance was characterized by a strong and consistent pace, providing him with a significant advantage over his competitors. He expressed satisfaction with his achievement, noting that while the session was challenging, they accomplished what they needed.
“It was a little bit tougher than I would have liked,” said Norris. “But we did the job we needed to do, which was to be fastest today.”
Oscar Piastri’s Strong Showing
Piastri’s performance was commendable, especially after facing difficulties in recent races in the United States and Mexico. Despite a shaky start with significant moments during his first lap, he managed to secure third place. Piastri expressed optimism about the upcoming race, highlighting the potential for additional points.
“I felt much happier than the last couple of weeks. We can definitely fight with what we’ve got,” Piastri remarked.
Qualifying Details and Challenges
The next phase of the event is the official qualifying for the Grand Prix, scheduled for 18:00 GMT. However, weather conditions could impact the schedule significantly. Competitors are preparing for varying challenges on the track.
Lewis Hamilton’s Struggles
- Lewis Hamilton qualified 11th after being impeded by teammate Charles Leclerc, who spun out during the session.
- Hamilton faced an investigation for not adequately slowing for yellow flags but was reprimanded due to the circumstances.
Max Verstappen’s Concerns
Max Verstappen reported issues with his car during the sessions, describing it as “undriveable.” He noted significant vibrations and grip problems, expressing concerns over performance, especially in wet conditions.
| Position | Driver | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lando Norris | McLaren |
| 2 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren |
| 3 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari |
| 11 | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari |
The Interlagos Grand Prix weekend promises to be thrilling, with Norris and Piastri looking to capitalize on their strong sprint performance. Fans eagerly await the official qualifying session and the subsequent race.