Formula 1: Verstappen relegates Norris to second place in the sprint in Brazil

Verstappen’s teammate Sergio Perez came third, followed by George Russell in the Mercedes. Verstappen will start the Grand Prix on Sunday (6 p.m./live ServusTV, Sky) from pole position.

“A good race. I think we implemented that well, much better than last year,” said Verstappen. “It was important to get there right at the start. After that, it was all about managing the race,” he continued. This year the Dutchman, who has been mathematically world champion for a month, also won the sprints in Spielberg, Spa-Francorchamps and Austin. In total he now has eight sprint victories.

Norris complained that he “ended up losing the pace” and had too much air resistance. “It wasn’t enough,” said the Brit. But he is confident about the race. “We’re not fighting the Red Bulls on track,” Norris added.

Before the first corner, Verstappen grabbed the lead from polesitter Norris, who then lost second place to last year’s winner Russell, but regained it a little later. Russell also had to let Perez pass. Behind them, numerous teams were fighting for places in the midfield. Charles Leclerc took fifth place in the Ferrari, Yuki Tsunoda surprised in the AlphaTauri in sixth place. The Japanese placed himself immediately ahead of Lewis Hamilton in the second Mercedes, whom he overtook without any problems in the final phase.

Verstappen grabbed the lead from pole sitter Norris at the start, who then lost second place to last year’s winner Russell, but regained it a little later. Russell also had to let Perez pass. Behind them, numerous teams were fighting for places in the midfield. Charles Leclerc took fifth place in the Ferrari, Yuki Tsunoda surprised in the AlphaTauri in sixth place. The Japanese placed himself directly ahead of Lewis Hamilton in the second Mercedes.

Saturday’s sessions took place in dry conditions under sunny skies – in contrast to qualifying for the main race, which was canceled on Friday when rain and gusts of wind hit 100 kilometers per hour, damaging structures including the roof of a grandstand.

Also read:

• Formula 1: Norris took the sprint pole
• Weather chaos in Sao Paulo: Verstappen ahead in qualifying

Organizers said six fans required treatment but no one suffered serious injuries. Some of the damaged buildings had been repaired on Saturday, although parts of Sao Paulo remained without power and downed trees could be seen on the streets. According to the weather service Climatempo, sunny weather with some clouds but no rain is expected for Sunday.