Lando Norris claimed victory at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, enhancing his championship lead. The McLaren driver finished ahead of Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli, while Max Verstappen made a notable comeback to secure third place after starting from the pit lane.
Norris Leads From the Start
Norris, who began the race from pole position, maintained his lead during a chaotic first few laps. The race faced interruptions due to a crash involving Kick Sauber’s Gabriel Bortoleto, which brought out a Safety Car. Following the restart, a Virtual Safety Car was deployed again after an incident involving Oscar Piastri and Antonelli, which caused Charles Leclerc to retire his Ferrari.
Key Incidents and Penalties
- Piastri was penalized with a 10-second time penalty for the collision with Antonelli.
- Verstappen, after a puncture, methodically climbed the ranks to contend for podium positions.
Race Finish and Standings
Norris crossed the finish line with a commanding 10-second lead, marking his seventh Grand Prix victory of the current season. Antonelli finished strong in second, achieving his personal best result, while Verstappen secured the final podium spot in third position. The competitive battle continued as George Russell contained Piastri’s advances to take fourth place, leaving Piastri to settle for fifth after his penalty.
Top Finishers
| Position | Driver | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lando Norris | McLaren |
| 2 | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes |
| 3 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull |
| 4 | George Russell | Mercedes |
| 5 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren |
| 6 | Ollie Bearman | Haas |
Other Notable Performances
Ollie Bearman finished sixth, contributing significantly to Haas’ points tally. Racing Bulls drivers Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar followed in seventh and eighth, respectively. Nico Hulkenberg secured ninth for Kick Sauber, while Pierre Gasly took the final point for Alpine in tenth. Alex Albon finished eleventh, just outside the points.
Challenges for Ferrari
The Sao Paulo GP marked a disappointing day for Ferrari, as both drivers failed to score points. Lewis Hamilton retired mid-race due to floor damage sustained in an early incident, while Bortoleto’s race ended prematurely after a crash on the opening lap.
Ultimately, this race at Interlagos showcased thrilling competition and strategic maneuvers, culminating in a memorable victory for Norris at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
