Formula 1 Brazilian Grand Prix in 2025 took place at the Interlagos Circuit in São Paulo and became a dramatic and crucial moment in the F1 championship battle. Lando Norris, racing for McLaren, made headlines after securing pole position and extending his lead in the driver standings, while rivals struggled with qualifying and unpredictable weather.
Where and When
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The race was held at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace, commonly called Interlagos, a circuit famous for its steep inclines and sharp kerbs that often provoke surprises and drama during the race.
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The main Grand Prix was scheduled for Sunday, November 9, 2025, with the green lights at 5pm GMT.
Main Drivers and Starting Grid
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Lando Norris started on pole for McLaren, following a strong qualifying and a win in the Sprint race.
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Kimi Antonelli, a rookie from Mercedes, impressed by qualifying second. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) took third, and Oscar Piastri, Norris’s McLaren teammate and key championship contender, started fourth.
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Max Verstappen, the defending champion from Red Bull, suffered his worst qualifying result in years and started from the pit lane due to changes made to his car overnight.
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Other notable drivers included George Russell (Mercedes), Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls), and Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari), who qualified outside the top ten.
Provisional Starting Grid (Top 10)
| Position | Driver | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lando Norris | McLaren |
| 2 | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes |
| 3 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari |
| 4 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren |
| 5 | Isack Hadjar | Racing Bulls |
| 6 | George Russell | Mercedes |
| 7 | Liam Lawson | Racing Bulls |
| 8 | Oliver Bearman | Haas |
| 9 | Pierre Gasly | Alpine |
| 10 | Nico Hulkenberg | Sauber/Stake |
| |
Qualifying and Sprint Highlights
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Lando Norris won the Sprint race, extending his championship lead to nine points.
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Kimi Antonelli finished second, and George Russell completed the top three in the Sprint.
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Max Verstappen could only manage fourth in the Sprint and missed out on Q2 in qualifying, an unusual situation for the Red Bull driver.
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The qualifying session was marked by several red flags and tricky, wet conditions, which played a role in Verstappen’s and Piastri’s misfortunes.
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Oscar Piastri crashed out in the Sprint after losing control on a damp section of the track, hurting his title hopes.
Championship Implications
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With his victory in the Sprint and pole position, Norris took a nine-point lead over teammate Oscar Piastri in the drivers’ standings.
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The Brazilian GP became a must-win scenario for Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri, both chasing Norris for the championship.
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Verstappen’s poor qualifying means he needed a major comeback from the pit lane to stay in the hunt for the season title.
Weather Impact
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São Paulo is known for its unpredictable and heavy rain, which played a role in making the track slippery and the race strategies challenging.
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Teams had to adapt quickly to changing conditions, especially during qualifying and the Sprint.
Other Race Notes
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Lewis Hamilton described his race prospects as “done pretty much” after qualifying 13th, reflecting Ferrari’s struggles this season.
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Several young drivers, including Isack Hadjar and Franco Colapinto, continued to impress in both qualifying and race pace.
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The race also saw strategy changes, particularly for Red Bull and Haas, who started their drivers from the pit lane after making overnight modifications to the cars.
Historical Context
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Last year, the Brazilian GP was also memorable for dramatic weather and championship twists, as Max Verstappen climbed from 17th to victory, with Norris unable to convert his pole position into a win.
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In 2025, Norris and Piastri have shown consistent speed, while Verstappen and Red Bull suffered rare setbacks.
Watch the Race
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The Brazilian Grand Prix was broadcast worldwide, and viewers could livestream it online from various sources, including free options depending on country and provider.
In Summary
The 2025 F1 Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos set the stage for an intense championship battle. Lando Norris extended his championship lead after taking pole and winning the Sprint, while young drivers like Kimi Antonelli and Isack Hadjar impressed with their performances. Max Verstappen faced a daunting challenge by starting from the pit lane after a disastrous qualifying, marking one of Red Bull’s worst showings in years. Unpredictable weather and strategic decisions shaped the race, making this edition of the Brazilian GP a defining moment in the season.