McLaren driver Lando Norris will start Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix from pole with Formula One championship leader Max Verstappen in 16th after struggling in his Red Bull during a rain-affected qualifying session that was marred by five crashes.
The gap between the two drivers heading into the afternoon's race is 44 points.
Norris clocked the fastest lap time on the wet Interlagos track at 1 minute, 23.405 seconds. His countryman George Russell of Mercedes will start second. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, who retains a slim chance of winning the drivers' title, was sixth in qualifying.
"I am a little surprised, again," said Norris. "It was easy to end up badly, on the wall."
"It is a relieving qualifying," he added.
Three-time champion Verstappen didn't even make it to the final third of qualifying. His 12th place in the second third of the session was pushed further back because of a five-place grid punishment for changing his engine for the sixth time this season, exceeding the maximum allowance of four.
Later, the Dutchman jumped one place to 16th after stewards punished Ferrari's Carlos Sainz Jr., who will start the race from the pit lane. They said some parts of the Spaniard's car had been replaced without authorization.
Verstappen could still start 15th if Williams driver Alexander Albon does not race due to a crash in qualifying.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Brazil Grand Prix...
When is the Brazil Grand Prix?
The Brazil Grand Prix takes place at the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace (Interlagos) in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
The race is scheduled to start at 3.30pm GMT on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Brazil Grand Prix race schedule in full
(All times GMT)
Race: 3.30pm, Sunday 3 November
How to watch Brazil Grand Prix
TV channel: In the UK, every session of the Brazil Grand Prix will be shown live Sky Sports.
Free highlights will be available post-race on the official F1 YouTube channel as well as on Channel 4 at 10pm.
Live stream: Sky subscribers can watch online via the Sky Go app.
