Norris extends F1 title lead with commanding win at São Paulo Grand Prix

McLaren’s Lando Norris strengthened his grip on the 2025 Formula One championship after a flawless victory at the São Paulo Grand Prix on Sunday, extending his lead over teammate Oscar Piastri to 24 points with three races left in the season.

The Briton led from start to finish at Interlagos, claiming his seventh win of the year and 11th of his career. “The team gave me a perfect car,” Norris said. “It felt like everything clicked this weekend.”

His dominance was unchallenged, despite a strong recovery drive from Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who finished third after starting from the pit lane. Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli delivered a breakthrough performance, finishing second – the best result of his young F1 career.

Antonelli shines as Mercedes rookie secures first podium

Antonelli, 18, showed impressive composure, qualifying on the front row and holding off Verstappen in the closing laps. “It feels incredible,” he said. “We’ve worked hard, and today it finally paid off.”

His podium marks Mercedes’ third top-three finish of the season, signalling a steady improvement after a rocky start to 2025.

Verstappen recovers after pit lane start

After struggling with pace all weekend, Verstappen’s Red Bull team made overnight power unit changes that transformed their race pace. Despite an early puncture, the three-time world champion sliced through the field to finish third.

“It was tough, but I’m proud of the fightback,” Verstappen said. “Starting from the pits and still making the podium shows how strong our race pace can be.”

Bearman impresses for Haas as Midfield Battle Tightens

Haas driver Oliver Bearman finished sixth, delivering his fourth straight top-10 finish and solidifying his reputation as one of the season’s brightest young talents.

“I’m happy with the consistency,” Bearman said. “We’re finding rhythm and fighting for points every weekend now.”

His result helped Haas move closer to Racing Bulls in the Constructors’ standings, giving the team momentum heading into the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Piastri and Ferrari falter as pressure mounts

McLaren’s Oscar Piastri endured another frustrating weekend, collecting a 10-second penalty after colliding with Charles Leclerc and Antonelli. Despite finishing fifth, the Australian admitted the result “wasn’t good enough.”

Ferrari, meanwhile, suffered a nightmare double retirement. Leclerc’s race ended after contact with Piastri, while Lewis Hamilton’s car sustained heavy damage in a lap-two collision, forcing his early exit. The result dropped Ferrari to fourth in the Constructors’ standings.

Home heartbreak for Brazil’s Bortoleto and Tsunoda’s troubles continue

Brazilian rookie Gabriel Bortoleto crashed out twice during his home weekend, including a heavy 57G impact in the Sprint. Although uninjured, he was left “gutted” after another early exit on race day.

Yuki Tsunoda’s miserable weekend ended in 17th place after a penalty for contact with Lance Stroll. His teammate Liam Lawson, by contrast, finished seventh, adding more pressure on the Japanese driver.

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