F1 2025 Brazilian Grand Prix: Sprint Race Grid Revealed After Penalties Shake Up Order
The excitement of the 2025 Formula One season shifts to Sao Paulo this weekend as the Interlagos Circuit once again plays host to the high-octane Brazilian Grand Prix. Before Sunday’s main event, fans will first witness the drama of the Sprint Race, which gets underway today, Saturday, November 8, 2025. The starting grid for the short-format race has now been confirmed following Friday’s intense sprint qualifying session — with penalties applied to several drivers, setting the stage for an unpredictable showdown.
After a dramatic qualifying hour on Friday afternoon, Lando Norris claimed his first sprint pole position of the season. The McLaren driver looked confident and composed on the 4.3km Interlagos circuit, extracting every bit of performance from his MCL39. His lap time edged out Mercedes’ rookie sensation Kimi Antonelli, who continues to impress in his debut Formula 1 campaign. The young Italian’s calm and calculated approach saw him secure a spot on the front row, marking his best sprint qualifying result so far.
McLaren’s strong form continues with Oscar Piastri lining up third on the grid, ensuring that the papaya team locks out the top three positions among the leading rows. Alongside him in P4 is George Russell, who delivered one of Mercedes’ best single-lap performances this season. After a shaky start to the weekend during the sole practice session, the Silver Arrows bounced back impressively, showing much-improved balance and grip during qualifying.
Further down the grid, Fernando Alonso proved once again that experience counts. The Aston Martin veteran will start fifth, capitalizing on consistent runs throughout Friday’s session. Meanwhile, reigning world champion Max Verstappen endured a frustrating afternoon in the RB21. The Red Bull driver struggled with rear instability and couldn’t match the pace of the McLarens or Mercedes cars. As a result, he will start from sixth place — a position that could make or break his title defense this season.
Behind Verstappen, Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll starts seventh, followed by Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari at eighth. The Monegasque driver faced handling issues and a slight off-track moment during his final run, costing him valuable time. Isack Hadjar, continuing his steady rise with the Racing Bulls, impressed by securing ninth place, while veteran Nico Hülkenberg rounded out the top ten in his Sauber.
Further down, Lewis Hamilton finds himself in unfamiliar territory, lining up 11th on the grid. Despite showing glimpses of pace in the early part of qualifying, the seven-time world champion couldn’t extract the maximum from his Ferrari, leaving him with a tough task for the sprint. Behind him are Alex Albon (Williams), Pierre Gasly (Alpine), and Gabriel Bortoleto, who delighted local fans by making it into P14 in his Sauber during his first F1 weekend on home soil.
Rounding out the lower end of the order, Oliver Bearman (Haas) will start 15th, just ahead of Franco Colapinto (Alpine). The Racing Bulls’ second driver, Liam Lawson, will begin 17th, followed by Yuki Tsunoda in the sister Red Bull. The Japanese driver was handed a minor penalty for impeding during qualifying, which dropped him down the order. Esteban Ocon (Haas) and Carlos Sainz (Williams) complete the grid after suffering mechanical and setup issues that limited their performance.
With the grid set, Saturday’s 100km sprint race promises to deliver intense wheel-to-wheel action. The Interlagos track, known for its unpredictable weather and high overtaking potential, could play a major role — especially if rain makes an appearance as forecasted.
Full 2025 Brazilian Grand Prix Sprint Race Starting Grid
1. Lando Norris (McLaren)
2. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
3. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
4. George Russell (Mercedes)
5. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
6. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
7. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
8. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
9. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls)
10. Nico Hülkenberg (Sauber)
11. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
12. Alex Albon (Williams)
13. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
14. Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber)
15. Oliver Bearman (Haas)
16. Franco Colapinto (Alpine)
17. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls)
18. Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull)
19. Esteban Ocon (Haas)
20. Carlos Sainz (Williams)
Sprint Race Start Times
Lights out for the Sprint Race will be at 11am local time (BRT), corresponding to 2pm GMT. Here’s how that translates globally:
Central Europe (CET): 3pm
United States (ET): 9am | (CT): 8am | (PT): 6am
South Africa (SAST): 4pm
Saudi Arabia (AST) / Turkey (TRT): 5pm
United Arab Emirates (GST): 6pm
India (IST): 7:30pm
China / Singapore (CST / SGT): 10pm
Japan (JST): 11pm
Australia (AWST): 10pm | (ACT): 12:30am Sunday | (AET): 1am Sunday
With championship points on the line and several top contenders out of position, today’s Sprint Race could dramatically alter the standings heading into Sunday’s Grand Prix. All eyes will be on Norris, Antonelli, and Verstappen — as Interlagos gears up for another thrilling chapter of the 2025 F1 season.
