Norris on pole in Brazil with Verstappen 17th

MIGUEL SCHINCARIOL/ AFP

McLaren's Lando Norris took an emphatic pole position at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix on Sunday after Red Bull rival Max Verstappen qualified only 17th in a wet and crash-strewn session at Interlagos.

George Russell will join his fellow-Briton on the front row for Mercedes in a session postponed from Saturday due to heavy rain, with RB's Yuki Tsunoda a stunning third and Alpine's Esteban Ocon fourth.

Formula One championship leader Verstappen, who has a five- place grid drop for an engine change, was only 12th when the second phase of qualifying was halted with 46 seconds remaining.

Verstappen leads Norris, winner of the Saturday 100km sprint at Interlagos, by 44 points with four grands prix and a sprint remaining.

More from Sports News

On Virgin Radio today

  • Non Stop Hits

    3:00am - 7:00pm

    The UAE's #1 Hit Music Station with no interruptions

  • The Fix With Dany Neville

    7:00pm - 11:00pm

    Officially the UAE's favourite DJ, Dany Neville makes sure you have the soundtrack you need every Saturday night.

Trending on Virgin Radio