Wet qualifying at Interlagos produces surprise podium spots and setbacks

Lando Norris secured pole position for the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos, marking his third consecutive pole at the circuit since 2024. Norris was fastest in both Q1 and the decisive Q3, capitalising on the changing conditions.

George Russell, who had been running slightly ahead of Lando Norris before aborting his final lap, finished second in the session but will start from seventh after a five-place grid penalty. Russell expressed frustration after the aborted lap, saying the session meant a great deal to him.

Liam Lawson recorded his best qualifying result of the season, starting third on the grid for Racing Bulls, though he noted he was not the third-fastest driver overall.

Fernando Alonso advanced to Q3 for the first time this year, earning a ninth-place start for Aston Martin, his best of the season.

Charles Leclerc qualified fourth for Ferrari and commented that the team showed improvement in wet conditions despite his disappointment with the result.

Nico Hulkenberg qualified fifth for Audi, highlighting his confidence in the car despite limited running time.

Lewis Hamilton qualified eleventh for Mercedes after a penalty related to component changes and described the session as a practice run to understand the wet track and tyre behaviour.

Haas achieved its best qualifying result of the season with Ollie Bearman eighth and rookie Rafael Camara qualifying thirteenth after a brief off-track incident.

Alex Albon reached Q3 for Williams, finishing tenth, and credited the wet track for the unexpected performance.

Alpine struggled, with both cars qualifying 17th and 18th after difficulties finding grip in the wet. Pierre Gasly and Oscar Colapinto both described the lack of traction and set-up challenges.

Oscar Piastri was unable to improve his position after a red-flag interruption in Q2, finishing twelfth and noting that a later tyre change had limited his final lap.