Based on the starting grid, the Grand Prix of São Paulo promises to be a decisive chapter in the fight for the world championship tonight (start 17:00 UTC). Lando Norris is starting from pole position and, given his current form, seems to be on a fast track to the title. This is especially true since Oscar Piastri is starting from P4 and Max Verstappen is starting from the very back of the pit lane.
Just like in the starting grid of the sprint race, Mercedes talent Kimi Antonelli is now eager to start next to Norris on the first row. He has looked strong all weekend and is now keen to climb to the top step of the podium. Behind them on the second starting row are Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri. The Australian crashed during the sprint race yesterday and is now facing a nine-point deficit in the championship. He must score to stay in the game.
Then there are a few surprises in the top 10. The Racing Bulls drivers are notably strong with Isack Hadjar (P5) and Liam Lawson (P7), while Oliver Bearman (P8) and Pierre Gasly (P9) have unexpectedly broken into the top ten. Nico Hülkenberg also did extremely well in qualifying and will start the race from the tenth spot.
Disastrous Weekend for Red Bull
On the other hand, it’s a disastrous weekend for Red Bull. Max Verstappen had a terrible qualifying (P16) and due to an engine change and setup adjustments, he’s even starting from the pit lane. The Dutchman sees his title chances evaporating: “We don’t need to talk about that anymore,” he said resignedly. His teammate Tsunoda is also languishing at the back of the field. Gabriel Bortoleto is at the end of the line after his heavy crash on Saturday. It’s a miracle he got out without a scratch. Sauber couldn’t get the car ready in time for qualifying, so the Brazilian will start his home race from the very back of the grid.
