Lando Norris reveals element which could favour Mercedes in Brazil battle

Lando Norris has highlighted the colder conditions that are forecast for the São Paulo Grand Prix could tip the scales in favour of Mercedes on Sunday.

The wet weather that was expected to impact on-track action on Saturday failed to disrupt the sprint race and qualifying.

Sunday's grand prix is also expected to be dry, however drivers and teams are due to be faced with the coolest conditions of the weekend so far.

Mercedes has proven on occasions in the past to fire its car into life with temperatures are low.

Norris will have Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli for company on the front row, while George Russell is due to start from sixth.

When asked how confident he is ahead of the race, Norris told media including RacingNews365: “I think in our race pace tomorrow — not the most [confidence] I’ve had. 

“I was certainly more confident in Mexico. I think after this morning, with the Mercedes pace and Kimi's pace, it certainly lowered my confidence level altogether. 

“But we’re still quick. We’ve still got that little advantage in qualifying, and I really hope that we can continue that into the race tomorrow. 

“But the weather is going to change again — I think it’s meant to be even colder, which might suit them even more. And the wind is meant to change also. So it's difficult.”

Norris' pole effort nevertheless puts him in an advantageous position to extend his title lead on Sunday.

Having been forced to dig deep to claim pole after an error on his first Q3 lap, the Briton highlighted the growth he felt he has enjoyed throughout the season, 

“The feeling I have on one track is different to the next and those kinds of things,” he said. “But I just feel like I’m doing a good job. I'm driving well. 

“Before, earlier in the season, I would just have weaknesses, and I feel like I’ve, let’s say, I’ve maybe still got some here and there, but I’ve lessened them, they’re not like one tenth now — it’s two hundredths. 

“So when I can put together the good parts and have those not-so-bad parts, things go very well.”