Lando Norris extends championship lead to 24 points with Sao Paulo GP win as Max Verstappen storms from pit-lane start to podium finish
SAO PAULO: Lando Norris extended his Formula One world championship lead with a commanding victory in Sunday’s dramatic Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
The McLaren driver finished 10.388 seconds clear of Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli while Red Bull’s Max Verstappen completed a remarkable recovery drive from a pit-lane start to claim third place.
Norris now leads the standings by 24 points from teammate Oscar Piastri with three rounds remaining in the season.
Verstappen’s stunning performance saw the four-time champion overcome an early puncture to finish just 0.362 seconds behind Antonelli after a charging drive through the field.
George Russell secured fourth position for Mercedes ahead of the unlucky Piastri, who collected a 10-second penalty during the incident-filled race.
“I was pushing and it was an amazing race,” said Norris, who dedicated his seventh win of the season to his late mentor Gil de Feran.
“It’s so nice to win in Brazil at this amazing track and amazing fans. This is for Gil…. My mentor a few years ago. A perfect weekend.”
The victory marked Norris’s 11th career win and puts him in a strong position to challenge for his first world championship.
Norris added that he remains focused on the remaining races rather than the title battle.
Verstappen expressed surprise at his podium finish given his challenging starting position and mid-race setback.
“The race was full of action and I didn’t expect to finish on the podium after starting from the pit-lane and having a puncture,” said the Red Bull driver.
Antonelli described the final laps as “very stressful” while defending against Verstappen’s late charge.
The race began dramatically when local driver Gabriel Bortoleto crashed out after contact with Lance Stroll, triggering an early safety car period.
Further incidents followed when Piastri’s attempted pass on Antonelli resulted in contact with Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari, damaging both cars.
Verstappen’s recovery drive saw him climb from 18th position after his puncture stop to challenge for the podium in the closing stages.
The Dutch driver ultimately passed Russell for third on lap 63 but couldn’t find a way past the impressive Antonelli. – AFP
