Max Verstappen, the triple Formula One world champion from Red Bull, clinched pole position for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix in a qualifying session marked by extreme weather conditions at Interlagos on Friday. Alongside Verstappen on the front row will be Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, followed by Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso in the Aston Martins. Verstappen secured provisional pole in the face of gusting winds, rain, and lightning, while McLaren's rookie Oscar Piastri skidded off onto the grass, prompting yellow flags. Verstappen will aim for his record-extending 17th win of the season. Charles Leclerc, who had been on pole for the previous two races, qualified 0.294 seconds slower. Stroll, starting in the top three for only the fourth time in his career, found the session extremely challenging but managed to complete his lap early to benefit from the timely rain.