Lando Norris backs up sprint success with pole position in Sao Paulo

Lando Norris completed a dream day in his pursuit of a maiden world championship by securing pole position for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

Norris extended his lead in the title race from one point to nine after he won the earlier sprint race and rival Oscar Piastri crashed out.

Piastri qualified only fourth for Sunday’s main event, and in another boost to Norris, Max Verstappen – 39 points behind the British driver – was knocked out in Q1 and will start the 71-lap contest in Interlagos way back in 16th.

Kimi Antonelli joins Norris on the front row with Charles Leclerc third for Ferrari. Leclerc’s team-mate Lewis Hamilton finished only 13th.

Just hours after Norris navigated a chaotic sprint race – with Piastri failing to score after he crashed out on the sixth lap – the Englishman was back on track bidding to keep his championship momentum going.

Norris was on the backfoot after his first attempt in Q3 when he locked up on the entry to the opening corner and was 0.651 seconds slower than Piastri and in 10th.

But the British driver produced an impressive lap under pressure to soar to the top of the timesheets. He finished 0.174 sec clear of Antonelli. Piastri was no match for Norris, ending the day more than three tenths off the pace.

“I put myself under unnecessary pressure after I locked up on my first run so more stressful than I would have like but I stayed calm and put it all together when it mattered,” said Norris.

“We are in good form, the team have given me a great car, and when I am in a good rhythm and I can put it all together, I can be on top.”

It means Piastri faces losing further ground to Norris, and Verstappen’s championship challenge could be all but over by the close of play on Sunday following a dismal