Norris on pole but Russell furious, Verstappen penalised, and rain looms over Sao Paulo GP

Lando Norris claimed pole position for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix after what he described as some of the wettest qualifying conditions he had ever driven in, setting up a chaotic grid ahead of Sunday's race. With more rain forecast, Norris and George Russell are both hoping the weather returns — though for very different reasons.

Russell was left fuming after qualifying, insisting that a "misjudgement" by his Mercedes team had cost him pole position. Despite already carrying a five-place grid penalty for an engine swap, the Briton was visibly angry in the post-session press conference, with Motorsport.com reporting his view that "pole was there for the taking." Autosport noted that Russell's fury was striking given the penalty had already compromised his starting position regardless.

Liam Lawson was another driver left reflecting on what might have been. The New Zealander impressed in the wet conditions, progressing into Q3 and ultimately securing third on the grid, but told Motorsport.com he believed a front-row start was within reach had he not made his own "mistake" during the session.

Fernando Alonso offered a more mixed reaction after taking his Aston Martin into Q3 for the first time this season — a notable achievement — yet Crash.net reported he was not fully satisfied with the outcome despite the milestone.

Max Verstappen, meanwhile, had little to celebrate after a penalty left him starting from the back of the grid. Crash.net quoted the championship leader as saying he had "lost 12 hours of my life I'll never get back" in reference to the penalty process. Sky Sports F1 noted that both Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton face the prospect of charging through the field from the rear, adding further intrigue to what is shaping up to be a compelling race in Brazil.