LIVE: Lando Norris on Pole for F1 Brazilian Grand Prix

Lando Norris is set to start the São Paulo Grand Prix from pole position, aiming to further solidify his lead in the F1 drivers' championship over teammate Oscar Piastri. Following Piastri's sprint crash at Interlagos, Norris extended his championship advantage to nine points after securing a victory against Kimi Antonelli.

Why it matters:

• Norris's pole position marks a crucial moment in the championship battle, potentially widening his lead and strengthening his bid for the F1 title.
• Kimi Antonelli's consistent strong performance, securing a front-row start for Mercedes, highlights his growing potential and Mercedes' competitive stride in Brazil.
• Max Verstappen's pit lane start due to car changes adds an unpredictable element, forcing him into a recovery drive to salvage championship points.

The details:

• Norris's Championship Lead: Lando Norris begins the main race with a nine-point lead over Oscar Piastri, a significant boost following Piastri's sprint incident.
• Antonelli's Strong Weekend: Kimi Antonelli, starting second alongside Norris, has delivered one of his strongest performances of his F1 career, consistently outperforming teammate George Russell.
• Verstappen's Challenge: Max Verstappen, currently 39 points behind Norris, faces a formidable task as he starts from the pit lane due to Red Bull making changes to his RB21.
• Brazil's History: The Autódromo José Carlos Pace previously saw Verstappen claim a dominant victory, a feat he'll need to replicate to mitigate championship damage this year.

What's next:

All eyes will be on Norris to see if he can convert his pole position into a race win, further extending his championship lead. Antonelli will be looking to secure his maiden Grand Prix victory, mirroring Russell's success last year. Verstappen's charge from the pit lane will be a key storyline, as he attempts to minimize point loss and keep his championship hopes alive in what promises to be a thrilling São Paulo Grand Prix.