Oscar Piastri’s world title hopes have taken a hammer blow as McLaren rival Lando Norris completed a dream day in his pursuit of a maiden world championship by securing pole position for the Brazilian grand prix .

Norris extended his lead in the F1 championship from one point to nine after he won the earlier sprint race and Australian rival Piastri crashed out at Sao Paulo.

Piastri qualified only fourth for Sunday’s main event, and in another boost to Norris, Max Verstappen — 39 points behind the British driver — was knocked out in Q1 and will start the 71-lap contest in Interlagos way back in 16th.

Kimi Antonelli joins Norris on the front row with Charles Leclerc third for Ferrari.

Just hours after Norris navigated a chaotic sprint race — with 24-year-old Piastri failing to score

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