F1 LIVE | Piastri in the wall with Hulkenberg and Colapinto, RED FLAG!

Following a thrilling Sprint qualifying session at the Interlagos circuit, attention shifts to the 24-lap shootout where McLaren driver Lando Norris starts from pole position after claiming the top spot ahead of Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli.

The pair were followed closely by Oscar Piastri, who was only quick enough for third place. George Russell and Fernando Alonso clocked the fourth and fifth fastest times, respectively.

However, the biggest surprise from the qualifying session was Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen, who could only manage a time good enough for sixth place. The Dutch driver, in his assessment of the outing, did not hold back his thoughts, labelling it as “quite poor.”

Lance Stroll, Charles Leclerc, Isack Hadjar, and Nico Hulkenberg wrapped up the top 10 from qualifying.

The Sprint race does not mandate pit stops; however, it could shape up to be a far-from-straightforward race for teams and drivers this weekend at Interlagos — especially given the cyclone warning that has been issued ahead of the on-track action.

Saturday at the Interlagos circuit has been overshadowed by concerns of a possible cyclone warning issued for the Sao Paulo region. The Brazilian National Institute of Meteorology has also issued a severe warning for high coastal winds, expected to hit the area around 11 a.m. local time — roughly when the Sprint race is scheduled to begin.

Wet conditions could once again add a twist to proceedings, much like in 2024 during the Grand Prix, when Verstappen stormed to victory from P17 in treacherous conditions.

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