Lando Norris has now outscored McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri in six successive grands prix

Norris Tightens Grip on Title with Sao Paulo GP Win

McLaren star extends lead as Verstappen stuns with podium from pit lane

Lando Norris took a commanding victory at the 2025 Sao Paulo Grand Prix, strengthening his grip on the Formula 1 world championship with just three races to go. The Briton’s flawless weekend performance was matched only by Max Verstappen’s heroic comeback, as the reigning world champion surged from pit lane to a dramatic third-place finish.

Norris on Fire: Second Consecutive Win, Seventh of the Season

Starting from pole and fresh off a sprint race victory, Norris led the race from the opening lap and never looked back. He withstood early chaos, managed a two-stop strategy, and cruised to his second straight race win, collecting 33 points over the weekend and stretching his title lead over Oscar Piastri to 24 points.

“It was a perfect weekend,” Norris said. “It’s a great win but to be honest seeing how quick Max was, I’m pretty disappointed we weren’t quicker.”

With Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi remaining, Norris is now the strong favourite to claim his first F1 title.

Verstappen’s Pit-Lane to Podium Drive

Verstappen closed on Kimi Antonelli in the closing stages but the 19-year-old rookie held him off

Despite a disastrous qualifying (P16) and a pit-lane start, Verstappen reminded the world of his class. The Red Bull driver made multiple overtakes, overcame a puncture on lap 7, and closed in on Kimi Antonelli’s Mercedes in the final laps.

He eventually passed George Russell for P3 on lap 63 and pushed hard to catch Antonelli, but the rookie held firm under intense pressure.

“To be on the podium from the pit lane… I didn’t expect that at all,” said Verstappen, who now sits 49 points behind Norris in the standings.

Piastri’s Title Hopes Fade After Costly Penalty

A rear view of the Mercedes of Antonelli and Ferrari of Charles Leclerc making contact, after Piastri initially hit the Italian

Oscar Piastri’s race was marred by a 10-second penalty for causing a collision involving Antonelli and Charles Leclerc. The Australian tried a bold move into Turn One but locked up, leading to Leclerc’s retirement and a shattered Ferrari front suspension.

Though Piastri recovered to finish fifth, he has now failed to outscore Norris since the Dutch Grand Prix in August.

Race Highlights:

Hamilton Retires: Suffered early damage after contact with Carlos Sainz, then retired due to floor damage.
Bearman Best of the Rest: Haas’ Oliver Bearman secured P6 with a strong, mistake-free drive.
Train of Finishers: Liam Lawson (P7) led Hadjar, Hulkenberg, Gasly, Albon, Ocon, Sainz, and Alonso in a tight midfield scrap.