HIGHLIGHTS: See all the action from qualifying at Interlagos as Hamilton heads Verstappen
The F1 Sprint is back this weekend for the third time this season, and that means a mixed-up format for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, with qualifying on Friday, instead of the usual Saturday.
The drivers fought it out on the Interlagos track for grid slots for the 100km dash Sprint, which will take place on Saturday afternoon, and set the grid order for the Grand Prix itself. And it was Lewis Hamilton who emerged on top, pumping in a lap that was almost half a second quicker than his title rival Max Verstappen in second.
QUALIFYING REPORT: Hamilton beats Verstappen to seal top grid slot for F1 Sprint in Brazil
But some of Hamilton's speed may be down to the new Mercedes engine he has had fitted for this race, which has also incurred him a five place grid penalty – but that will take effect in Sunday's race, not the Saturday Sprint. Hit play on the video above to see how the battle for pole played out in Sao Paulo.
Next Up
Related Articles
Why January could be the busiest month for F1 drivers
Newey ‘always teaching us something’ – Alonso
Formula 1 announces annual Promoter Awards winners
Krack reflects on ‘emotional’ first run for new Aston Martin
What happened on Day 3 of the Barcelona Shakedown?
Norris shares ‘surreal feeling’ of running number 1