McLaren's Lando Norris earned pole position for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix for a third consecutive time and in heavy rain. Final qualifying positions were heavily influenced by power unit changes that sent drivers such as Mercedes' George Russell and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc towards the back of the grid.

Russell and Leclerc were second and fourth but penalized. Norris beat Russell by 0.204 seconds for his first pole since September at the Madrid GP. New Formula 1 champion Kimi Antonelli will start from second place after Russell received a five-place grid penalty for adding fresh engine components to his car. Russell will start seventh. Racing Bull's Liam Lawson will start third after Leclerc was also penalized, which also promoted Audi's Nico Hulkenberg to fourth on the grid on Sunday. Leclerc, who arrived in Brazil late on Thursday after the birth of his daughter, will start from 14th place.