Lando Norris takes pole position at the São Paulo GP in rainy Interlagos

McLaren's Lando Norris secured pole position for the Formula 1 São Paulo GP on Saturday, November 7, 2026. In a qualifying session defined by adverse weather conditions, the Briton matched the feat of Felipe Massa and Mika Häkkinen by taking the top spot on the Interlagos grid for the third year in a row. The session was suspended for 1 hour and 24 minutes early in Q1 due to heavy rain, which severely limited visibility and caused aquaplaning on the track. The session proved challenging for the Brazilian representatives. Rookie Rafael Câmara, driving for Haas, advanced to Q2 but hit the wall while attempting a fast lap, ending his run in 13th place. Meanwhile, Audi's Gabriel Bortoleto was eliminated in Q1 after spinning and crashing at the Junção climb, recording the slowest time of that stage. Despite the accidents, both drivers gained positions on the final grid due to penalties applied to other competitors for engine component changes. The starting grid underwent significant changes due to these penalties. Max Verstappen, Sergio Pérez, and Lewis Hamilton, who faced technical sanctions, started from the back of the pack. George Russell, who had set the fastest time in Q2, dropped five places, while Charles Leclerc lost ten positions. As a result, Kimi Antonelli inherited a spot on the front row alongside Norris. The main race was scheduled for Sunday, November 8, 2026, with the start at 1:30 PM.