Who’s where in Brazil as Max Verstappen and Esteban Ocon start from pit lane

Once more is it is championship leader Lando Norris with the edge for the start of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, the McLaren man on pole and three places up on team mate and title rival Oscar Piastri, who notably crashed out of Saturday’s Sprint at Interlagos.

Between the papaya cars on the grid are Kimi Antonelli, the Mercedes rookie on the front row for the first time on a Sunday, and Charles Leclerc for Ferrari. The Racing Bulls of Isack Hadjar and Liam Lawson start a superb fifth and seventh respectively, split by George Russell in the second Mercedes.

Completing the surprise top 10 we have the Haas of Ollie Bearman, Pierre Gasly for Alpine and Kick Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg – which probably leaves you asking where is our other key championship contender?

Max Verstappen qualified just 16th after a shock Q1 exit in a rather recalcitrant Red Bull, but will start from the pit lane after a pre-race power unit change. The Haas of Esteban Ocon – originally 17th on the grid – will do the same.

At the very back of the grid is the sole home driver, Gabriel Bortoleto, whose damaged Kick Sauber couldn’t be prepared in time for Qualifying following his huge Turn 1 shunt at the end of the Sprint.

The 2025 Sao Paulo Grand Prix starts at 1400 local time. Be sure to join our live coverage from 1300 here.