F1 Live | Qualifying for the sprint race in the Brazilian GP weekend

After the first free practice it is now time for qualifying which will form the grid for the sprint race at the Brazilian Grand Prix. It's a different qualifying session than usual. The drivers will fight for a good starting position in the sprint race in which they can gain three extra points for the championship. The drivers will use their best setup to set the fastest lap possible. You can follow this qualifying with GPblog's live blog.

LIVEBLOG | Qualifying for the sprint race of the 2021 Brazilian Grand Prix

Max Verstappen has been in very good form in recent years at Interlagos, the circuit in São Paulo where the Brazilian GP is held. In 2016 he had a spectacular overtaking race in which he managed to drive his Red Bull from 16th place to the podium in the rain. In 2018, he almost managed to win the Brazilian GP, but a crash with back-marker Esteban Ocon prevented him from winning. In 2019, the Dutchman finally managed to walk away with the win here.

Pole position is important

Four races to go in the championship and the difference in points between Verstappen and Hamilton is small. Verstappen does not yet have a large enough lead to be able to make mistakes. It is important to qualify as well as possible and to start at the front in the sprint race. During the sprint race, there are also three extra points to be earned for the championship. For both Verstappen and Hamilton it is therefore important to take pole position to increase the chances of earning those extra points on Saturday.

Because there has only been one hour of practice time, it will be interesting to see who has found the best setup in that short hour. Follow all developments from São Paulo via the liveblog below.

Sprint race weekends

This is the third and final sprint race weekend of the 2021 season. They were introduced as a test, and it's worked relatively well. There are mixed reviews, but they will continue in 2021. We expect six sprint race weekends next year, but the circuits are still unknown. Previously, the sprint races were held at Silverstone and Monza. 
Those two events saw title rivals Hamilton and Verstappen crash into each other.

At the British Grand Prix, the two drivers touched at high speed and Verstappen ended up going into the barrier. Hamilton went on to win his home event. The Dutchman required a precautionary hospital check-up but left the hospital on the same day. The second crash resulted in both drivers recording a DNF. Verstappen touched the kerb at turn one. His car launched in the air and landed on top of the Mercedes car. 

Overall in 2021, Verstappen has a 19 point lead in the World Championship and is the favourite to extend that gap before the final three races. After Brazil, the Formula 1 circuit will travel to Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi to finish the season. Despite either being brand new to F1 or containing new alterations, those three circuits are expected to favour the Mercedes car.