F1 LIVE: Charles Leclerc slapped with heavy fine as FIA issue Max Verstappen statement

The Brazilian Grand Prix weekend is officially underway with the sprint race and qualifying both taking place on Saturday.

Friday was a blockbuster day of practice and sprint qualifying, as surprisingly nabbed pole for today's short-format race, just ahead of Lando Norris in a one-two for McLaren.

It promises to be another successful weekend for Zak Brown's outfit, which is necessary in order for the Brit to pip Max Verstappen to the Drivers' Championship.

Verstappen, who has a five-place grid penalty for the main Grand Prix on Sunday, starts the weekend 47 points ahead of Norris but could only qualify in fourth place for the sprint, behind .

Today's sprint race offers another opportunity for Norris to take points off of Verstappen's lead and he can claim up to eight points if he finishes top of the pile.

And just to further add to the drama - rain is expected to fall at Interlagos. This 100km race could get quite spicy.

Follow all the latest news, updates and developments surrounding the Brazilian Grand Prix below...