La Formula 1 returns to the track after a weekend break with the sprint qualifying of the Brazilian GP. After some free tests who have given little information to the home crowd, the Brazilian weekend could really heat up.
Sprint Qualifying begins in Sao Paulo
In a 12-minute session where, remember, it is mandatory to run on medium tyres, McLaren immediately takes to the track with its two standard-bearers, followed shortly thereafter by almost all the drivers. After the first attempt Verstappen sets the fastest time, followed by the two McLarens. The Ferrari in the meantime, in difficulties, occupy ninth and eleventh positions. The track improves as time passes, and so both McLarens improve their times, as does Russell, who moves up to third. Good Gasly fifth, as well as Aston Martin and Racing Bulls, with both cars in the top 10 with 3 minutes to go in this first sprint qualifying session in Brazil.
With all the drivers on the track, they create dangerous traffic situations but everything goes smoothly and then everyone manages to improve. Norris achieves the fastest time, over three tenths ahead of Verstappen, followed by Alonso. The two Ferraris are struggling, after a free practice session in which they had only run on hard tyres, and obtained the tenth time with Hamilton and twelfth with LeclercProblems for Sainz, who complained to his pit wall about the execution which saw him only able to make one attempt. Last place for the Spanish and consequent elimination, in the company of Ocon, Tsunoda, Lawson and ColapintoKimi Antonelli, 15th at the end of Q1, escaped by 60 thousandths.
Back on track for the SQ2 in Brazil
These sprint qualifiers in Brazil continue with just nine minutes to see who will be able to compete for the top positions. After the first attempt, super performances by Aston Martin and Hadjar, who occupy the first 3 positions, ahead of Verstappen and the two Ferraris. However, the McLarens and Mercedes are missing from the roll call, and in any case they are unable to improve their1.09.330 signed by Fernando Alonso, after an incredible lap. Lewis Hamilton will need to improve significantly, as he is provisionally eliminated with 3 minutes to go, with Leclerc two places ahead of him. Both Ferrari drivers went into a stall and opened up to their pit wall, complaining about the driving difficulties.
On the second attempt the track shuts down, with many of the drivers on their lap unable to improve. Leclerc then spun, consequently bringing out the yellow flag which ruins the lap of the few who were improving. Hamilton eliminated from sprint qualifying, influenced by the yellow flag but never really at ease here in Brazil. The other eliminated drivers are Albon, Gasly, Bortoleto and Bearman.
Qualifying is decided: Norris takes the Sprint Pole
The McLarens, Mercedes, and Leclerc finally hit the track with the red tires. Norris set the fastest time of the weekend, while his teammate made a mistake at Turn 1 and was only fourth. The two Papayas were separated by Antonelli, excellent second, and Russell, while Leclerc is fifth. The final minutes see everyone launching into a quest for the best lap and the fastest time. in these sprint qualifiers in Brazil It's Lando Norris, followed by Antonelli, Piastri, Russell and Alonso. It disappoints Verstappen, only sixth, while Leclerc finished eighth behind Stroll. Hadjar and Hülkenberg completed the top 10. The next appointment is with the sprint race tomorrow at 15:00 PM, on a day that promises to be wet.
