F1 Brazil GP Live: Downpour changes FP2 results; Verstappen 17th while Norris takes pole

Lando Norris is F1 Brazil GP Pole-sitter

The qualifying session for the F1 Brazil GP has been concluded, with several surprises, with McLaren's Lando Norris taking pole position at the Interlagos circuit. Norris put in a blistering lap that beat Scuderia Ferrari's Carlos Sainz by 0.029 seconds.

Reigning world champion Max Verstappen, who currently leads the drivers' standings, could only end up 17th on the grid. As a result, the Red Bull driver faces an uphill battle tomorrow in his quest for race victory.

A heavy downpour disrupted the qualifying session throughout the half-hour. That was something the drivers had anticipated following predictions of rain for Saturday before the session.

In an interview after the qualifying session, Norris said: "It's incredible, honestly. This shows that we can get back to our best. It feels good, especially in those conditions. It started drizzling in the middle of Q3 and I was struggling a bit on the inters, but then I got it all together. This is a great way to start the weekend for us."

Verstappen faces grid penalty

During qualifying for the F1 Brazil GP, Red Bull discovered a breach of regulations in Verstappen's car. Consequently, the Dutchman will drop three grid places, regardless of where he finishes in qualifying.

The situation arose after Verstappen was discovered to be using a rear wing DRS flap that exceeded the FIA's 85mm opening limit. As a result, Verstappen incurred a three-place penalty for the Grand Prix.