Brazil GP Sprint Qualifying Report

The rain that had been forecast for this event had not arrived on the Friday.  Brazil, a traditional circuit feels like a mad choice to host a Sprint.

The first session was bog-standard.  Norris, Verstappen and Alonso (nice) were fastest.  Disappointingly, Sainz was last, not putting in a final quick lap.  He said it was the worst execution ever.  I don't really know what that means...his fault?  The teams fault?  The four ahead of him but still out of the competition were Colapinto in 16th, Lawson, Tsunoda and Ocon.  Colapinto has signed a new contract for next year, I wonder if Tsunoda will get the same, this kind of performance...

There was a little more drama in SQ2, in the dying seconds LeClerc spun on the track and came to a complete halt before getting going again.  This brought out waved yellow flags which meant cars needed to slow down.  His team mate, Hamilton was the first victim to this.  Out went Hamilton, Albon, Gasly, Bortoleto and Bearman.  Alonso was quickest, followed by Norris and Russell.  Norris seemed to have the upper hand on his team mate and main championship rival, Piastri.  Verstappen was heavily criticising his car.

At the end, there was a final push from all ten drivers in the last couple of minutes.  Norris held pole at the time, followed by Antontelli.  Piastri finished first and couldn't do better than third.  Norris did not better his time but did keep pole, as Antonelli also couldn't do better but neither could anyone else.  Verstappen went purple for the best time in the first sector and then did personal bests in the second two sectors and it appeared that he would take pole for this but actually finished seventh.  There's a real shake up in the line up; I wonder if some teams are playing it safer with engines and parts for the Sprint and others are really going for some cheap points?  The top ten are Norris, Antonelli, Piastri, Russell, Alonso, Verstappen, Stroll, LeClerc, Hadjar and Hulkenberg.

Aston Martin have found something in Brazil and it can't be put down to Alonso's talent as Stroll made the top ten too.  There was a lot of booing for Norris and I don't understand why.  I hope it'll be a great wee Sprint but it might not be short, there is the danger there will be more sitting in the pits than racing.  Fingers crossed.