Source: Official Team Post via X
Norris Shines in Rainy 2026 Brazilian GP Qualifying
Lando Norris secured pole in a rain-hit qualifying session at Interlagos for the Brazilian Grand Prix. Several drivers face grid penalties, including Verstappen and Hamilton, who will start from the back.
In a rain-soaked qualifying session for the 2026 Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos, McLaren's Lando Norris emerged as the fastest driver. The session was notable for its challenging wet conditions, which resulted in an 84-minute red flag interruption during Q1.
As the skies opened up after FP3, drivers faced a drenched track that led to an early halt in proceedings. Once the rain abated enough for action to resume, the drivers were engaged in a constant battle against the clock, trying to find grip and improve their lap times. Track position became crucial as teams strategized to find the perfect window for their drivers.
The session was not without incident. Gabriel Bortoleto's crash brought an early end to his qualifying run, and he was joined by Franco Colapinto, Pierre Gasly, Lance Stroll, Valtteri Bottas, and Sergio Perez in failing to make it past Q1.
Beyond the inherent challenges of the weather, several drivers will face grid penalties. George Russell, Charles Leclerc, and Sergio Perez are among those penalized, with Perez taking a particularly hefty 30-place hit. Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton will start from the back of the grid due to their own penalties.
In the final standings, Norris topped the timesheets with a lap of 1:30.939. He was followed by Mercedes' George Russell and Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who clocked in at 1:31.206 and 1:31.238, respectively. Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton and Audi's Nico Hulkenberg rounded out the top five.
The full results from Q1 saw a mix of expected performances and surprises. Isack Hadjar put in a solid performance for Red Bull, while Racing Bulls' Liam Lawson and Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso showed their prowess in challenging conditions. Meanwhile, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli also secured places in the top ten.
As the drivers prepare for the race, all eyes will be on how they navigate the grid penalties and what strategies teams will employ to maximize their chances in the Grand Prix.