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Norris Wins Chaotic Sao Paulo Grand Prix as Antonelli Holds Off Verstappen in Thrilling Finale

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Nigora Umarova
Nigora Umarova
International Department Journalist
Formula 1 Sport
Another 'Max'terclass from from the Flying Dutchman
Sao Paulo Grand Prix
Photo: F1

Lando Norris strengthened his grip on the World Championship with a composed and commanding victory at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, while Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli produced the finest drive of his young career to fend off Max Verstappen in a breathless final lap fight for second place.

The race at Interlagos delivered its usual blend of high drama and strategic uncertainty, with mixed tyre strategies, early collisions and a late chase for the podium combining to produce a captivating afternoon in Sao Paulo. Norris kept his head while the action unfolded behind him and crossed the line more than ten seconds ahead of the field to claim his seventh win of the season.

Antonelli finished second after a superb defensive performance in the closing laps. Verstappen, who started from the pit lane after Red Bull changed his power unit and suspension set-up, completed a remarkable recovery to take third and keep his Championship hopes alive, though the title now looks increasingly in Norris’ hands.

Chaos From the Start

Home favourite Gabriel Bortoleto’s race ended on the opening lap after contact with Lance Stroll sent him into the barriers at Turn 10, prompting an early Safety Car. Lewis Hamilton’s afternoon also began poorly. The Ferrari driver picked up a broken front wing in first lap contact, then suffered floor damage that eventually forced his retirement. Charles Leclerc was also eliminated early after being caught in the chain reaction of Oscar Piastri’s dive on Kimi Antonelli following the restart.

Piastri was later handed a ten-second time penalty for causing that collision, a punishment that would ultimately cost him a place on the podium. Despite strong pace, he finished fifth behind George Russell.

Red Bull’s second driver Yuki Tsunoda received a double ten-second penalty for causing an incident on the track. First time was for the incident itself and the second for improperly serving the penalty.

Strategy and Tyre Drama

With changeable conditions threatening at intervals and tyre degradation proving higher than anticipated, teams were forced into reactive strategy calls. The medium compound proved the strongest option, while efforts to make the hard tyre work largely failed.

Verstappen’s comeback gathered momentum as he carved through the midfield. A late stop for soft tyres set up a charge at the Mercedes duo, and a bold move around the outside of Russell at Turn 1 moved him into podium contention. However, he could not quite clear Antonelli in the final laps, the Italian defending with maturity and precision.

Calm at the Front

Norris, meanwhile, managed both pace and tyre life to perfection. He built a comfortable lead early on and never looked seriously threatened. Even after Verstappen emerged as a late factor, the McLaren driver remained well clear.

The result extends Norris’ advantage in the Championship, with the final rounds now approaching. Verstappen’s comeback keeps the contest technically open, yet the momentum appears firmly on the side of the McLaren driver.

Top Ten Finishers

  1. Lando Norris (McLaren)
  2. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
  3. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
  4. George Russell (Mercedes)
  5. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
  6. Oliver Bearman (Haas)
  7. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls)
  8. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls)
  9. Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber)
  10. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)

A Race of Lessons and Landmarks

For Norris, this was another sign of his evolution into a polished title contender. For Antonelli, it felt like the arrival of a new star. And for Verstappen, it was a reminder that even on an off weekend, his competitive fire remains undimmed.

Interlagos, as ever, delivered.

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