Lewis Hamilton in pole position in the sprint race, Pierre Gasly will start fifth

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The qualifications for the Brazilian Grand Prix delivered their first lessons on Friday. Penalized earlier today for exceeding the quota of authorized engine changes, Lewis Hamilton did not seem upset, as the Briton won in qualifying for the sprint race and will start from pole position on Saturday, on the Interlagos circuit in Sao Paulo.

“It’s been so long since it’s like it’s the first time “exclaimed the seven-time 36-year-old world champion, who hadn’t been the fastest on a lap since the Hungarian GP in early August, before the summer break. An eternity for an exercise specialist. Already looking towards Sunday, when it really counts, the Briton promises to “to give everything”, penalty or not.

He has no choice: he must absolutely prevent Max Verstappen (Red Bull) from widening the gap in the drivers’ standings beyond the 25 points mark, which would protect him from retirement. .

The Dutchman, his rival in the world championship with 19 points ahead of four races to go, will accompany him on the front row. But nothing is decided for the starting grid of the Grand Prix on Sunday, which will be determined by the results of the sprint race on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. (8:30 p.m. in France).

“Sometimes you have to be realistic, we didn’t have much more under our feet”, he admits. “But the most important is Sunday “, recalls the Red Bull driver, who is chasing his first world title at 24 years old. “The weather will be completely different, it will be much hotter, and that will change the behavior of the cars.“, a priori to the disadvantage of the Silver Arrows.

Behind the Dutchman, Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes), Sergio Perez (Red Bull) and Frenchman Pierre Gasly (Alpha-Tauri) will follow. “I’m really very happy, I must say, said the Frenchman. Free practice 1 was difficult for me, I still had difficulties in qualifying, but every time I went out, I succeeded. to find that little extra by playing with everything that can be changed in the car. Normally, I’m not so happy with myself but it was an incredible ride and I’m very happy about it. “. The other Frenchman, Esteban Ocon (Alpine), will start 11th.


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