The fight for the driver’s championship had reached a boiling point in Mexico. This emphasized Lando Norris to cut his deficit to Max Verstappen, who aimed to continue this trend at the Brazillian GP weekend. Moreover, Norris was expected to take the Sprint pole during the qualifying session but it was snubbed away by his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri by a mere three-hundredths of a second.

McLaren had brought an upgraded rear wing for the race in Brazil to aid its drivers in the fight with Ferrari and Red Bull. With Lando Norris topping the time sheets from FP1 till SQ2, everyone expected the Brit to snatch the Sprint pole with ease. However, Oscar Piastri had other plans lined up for the weekend, he unleashed the full potential of the MCL38 when it mattered the most in SQ3.

This helped the Aussie take a surprise Sprint pole in a tricky qualifying session. It was a tricky session. It felt comfortable at the start, and the grip was improving.

I am happy to qualify on pole for the Sprint. Oscar Piastri said in his post-session interviewOscar Piastri: “It was a tricky session. It felt comfortable at the start, and the grip was improving.

I am happy to qualify on pole for the Sprint. “— Junaid #JB17 (@JunaidSamodien_) November 1, 2024Despite the 23-year-old lining up on pole, McLaren might instruct him to let Norris pass during the race if the papaya pair stayed in 1-2 formation. This might seem counter-intuitive when viewed from the outside if Piastri remains the faster driver, but the Briton has a better chance at fighting for the championship, which the younger driver understands.

RELATEDMax Verstappen hits out at ‘abnormal’ remarks made by FIA steward over Mexican GP fiascoLando Norris not too critical of himself after botching Sprint pole to Oscar PiastriOwing to his prior tradition, Norris is known for bemoaning small losses during a Grand Prix weekend. Moreover, at a weekend where he should capitalize on his championship rival Max Verstappen‘s hard luck, the 24-year-old showcased a sense of maturity in his answers and did not grieve about his missed chances. Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris (via IMAGO)Subsequently, when the 24-year-old gave his post-qualifying interview, he retained a calm demeanor and glanced over his final lap mistake, which possibly cost him the Sprint pole.

A little bit surprised we were so quick today, but a pleasant one. A good first lap, made too many mistakes on my second so I boxed. Lando Norris saidLando Norris: A little bit surprised we were so quick today, but a pleasant one.

A good first lap, made too many mistakes on my second so I boxed. — Junaid #JB17 (@JunaidSamodien_) November 1, 2024Though this could be down to the Brit knowing that it was only his teammate who took the pole home. Thus, relieving him from the stress of passing any rivals, who might put up a stern defence during the Sprint race.

RELATEDMax Verstappen takes feisty jibe at critics over Mexican GP falloutOn the other hand, the Dutchman only managed to qualify fourth for the Sprint race. So the McLaren driver is expected to cut down the championship deficit by a considerable amount in the Sprint race.