SAO PAULO :McLaren's Formula One leader Lando Norris seized the moment as his title rivals stumbled on Saturday to put himself on course for a big leap in the championship battle.

After winning the Sao Paulo sprint to go nine points clear of teammate Oscar Piastri who crashed, the Briton got back on track to seize a brilliant pole position for Sunday's main grand prix at Interlagos.

Australian Piastri, his closest rival, qualified fourth.

Red Bull's reigning champion Max Verstappen, third overall in the standings but now 39 points behind, will line up 16th after his worst qualifying in nearly four years.

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