Lando Norris delivered a masterclass performance at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, winning both the sprint and main race to take a commanding lead in the Formula 1 championship. Despite Norris’s flawless display, Max Verstappen stole the show with a sensational drive from the pit lane to finish third.
Norris’s victory at Interlagos marked his seventh win of the 2025 season, propelling him 24 points clear of McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri in the drivers’ standings. With only three races remaining and a maximum of 83 points up for grabs, the British driver is now in firm control of his first world title pursuit. The weekend saw Norris secure pole position and dominate both the sprint race and the grand prix, showcasing the form of a champion in the making.
After the race, Norris downplayed championship talk, focusing instead on areas for improvement. “It’s a great win, but to be honest, seeing how quick Max was today, I’m pretty disappointed we weren’t quicker,” he said. This humility belies his intense focus, as he has worked diligently to overcome early-season inconsistencies and media pressures. Norris admitted to caring too much about perceptions earlier in the year but has since learned to trust his instincts and speak his mind, contributing to his recent surge.
In contrast, Piastri’s title challenge unraveled further in Brazil. A crash in the sprint race handed Norris the championship lead, and a collision with Kimi Antonelli and Charles Leclerc in the grand prix resulted in a 10-second penalty. Despite recovering to fifth place, Piastri acknowledged his pace was subpar, marking a dramatic turnaround from his 34-point lead after the Dutch Grand Prix in August. The Australian’s season has been marred by errors, including multiple incidents in recent races.
While Norris commanded the headlines, Verstappen produced what many are calling the drive of the season. Starting from the pit lane due to a rule-breaking setup change, the Red Bull driver fought through the field to finish third, even leading briefly during pit stops. Remarkably, he achieved this in dry conditions, a year after his wet-weather masterpiece at the same circuit. Team principal Laurent Mekies described the performance as “sensational,” highlighting Verstappen’s skill in adversity.
Verstappen’s journey was fraught with challenges, including an early puncture that forced an unscheduled pit stop. Red Bull’s decision to modify the car after qualifying—leading to the pit lane start—proved contentious but ultimately paid off. Some rival engineers speculated he could have won with a different strategy, but McLaren’s Andrea Stella defended the team’s choices, citing high tire degradation. The race saw several safety car periods, adding to the strategic complexity.
The result leaves Verstappen 49 points behind Norris, all but ending his title hopes barring a miracle. “We didn’t lose the championship here; we lost it from race one until Zandvoort,” Verstappen reflected, acknowledging Red Bull’s inconsistent form this season. Meanwhile, Norris’s resurgence has flipped the McLaren intra-team battle, with Piastri now focusing on regaining form rather than the championship. The next race in Las Vegas from November 20-22 will be crucial for settling the title.
Norris’s dominant weekend signals a shift in the championship dynamics, positioning him as the favorite with a narrow window to clinch the title. His ability to handle pressure and deliver under scrutiny bodes well for the final races. For Verstappen, the drive serves as a reminder of his elite talent, even in a challenging season. As the F1 circus moves to Las Vegas, all eyes will be on whether Norris can seal the deal or if surprises await.
