Record world champion Lewis Hamilton will start the third and final sprint race of the Formula 1 season from first place on the grid.
The British Mercedes driver confidently won qualifying in Sao Paulo on Friday, with World Championship leader Max Verstappen (Netherlands / Red Bull) and Hamilton's Finnish team-mate Valtteri Bottas finishing in second and third place.
The sprint on Saturday (8.30 p.m. CET / Sky) is primarily about the starting positions for the Grand Prix on Sunday (6.00 p.m. / Sky).
Then Hamilton expects a penalty transfer by five starting positions due to an engine change.
“I am grateful for this first place on the grid.
It feels like the first time in such a long time, ”said Hamilton.
Verstappen was calm: “When they have a new engine, they also have more power.
This is not a shock to me.
Second place is good, more was not possible.
You can't win many points in a sprint.
The important race is on Sunday. "
Sebastian Vettel took twelfth place in qualifying in the Aston Martin, Haas driver Mick Schumacher landed in 19th position. The three fastest in the sprint over 24 laps and around 100 kilometers secured points (3-2-1).
Hamilton is 19 points behind Verstappen in the drivers' championship.
If the Red Bull star is at least 24 points ahead of the British after the Grand Prix, Hamilton will no longer be able to win his eighth title this year on his own.