Norris Takes Wet Brazilian GP Pole as Hamilton and Verstappen Face Grid Penalties

Lando Norris mastered a rain-soaked Interlagos qualifying to take pole for the Brazilian Grand Prix, but the session was overshadowed by grid penalties for Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. The McLaren driver's performance in tricky conditions set up a fascinating race.

Why it matters:

With two of the grid's biggest names starting from the back, Sunday's race could feature dramatic charges through the field. The wet conditions add another layer of unpredictability.

The details:

• Norris secured his 20th career pole and fourth of the 2026 season.
• George Russell qualified second but drops five places; new world champion Kimi Antonelli inherits a front-row start.
• Hamilton will start last after Ferrari changed his engine following an FP3 problem. He already had a 10-place penalty.
• Verstappen also starts from the back, with a 30-place penalty for taking a fifth internal combustion engine, turbo and exhaust. Any penalty exceeding 15 places automatically sends a driver to the rear.
• Toto Wolff said drivers should decide for themselves whether to race in Qatar and Abu Dhabi amid ongoing concerns.
• The Brazilian GP will remain on the calendar until at least 2035 after a five-year extension.

What's next:

All eyes will be on the weather and how quickly Hamilton and Verstappen can slice through the field. If the rain returns, strategy calls could prove decisive.