McLaren’s Lando Norris claimed his second consecutive victory at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix on Sunday, mastering challenging wet and dry conditions to win the 71-lap race by 14.6 seconds. Mercedes, meanwhile, secured the Formula One constructors’ championship after George Russell and Kimi Antonelli finished fourth and fifth respectively.
Starting from pole position, Norris controlled much of the race despite changing track conditions, keeping his composure as rain returned during the closing stages.
Red Bull secured a double podium, with Max Verstappen finishing second ahead of teammate Isack Hadjar.
Verstappen produced one of the day’s standout performances after starting from 21st on the grid due to a power unit penalty. He worked his way through the field in the challenging conditions and eventually finished 14 seconds behind Norris following a late pit stop for intermediate tyres.
Reflecting on his recovery drive, Verstappen said the opening laps were crucial and described his first stint on intermediate tyres as particularly strong.
Norris acknowledged the difficulties posed by the changing weather, saying that maintaining concentration and avoiding mistakes had been key to his victory. He also admitted that switching to slick tyres on a wet track was challenging, particularly while trying to manage the lead.
Mercedes sealed the constructors’ crown a week after Antonelli secured his maiden Formula One drivers’ title. Antonelli received a five-second penalty for an unsafe release in the pit lane but retained fifth place, finishing comfortably ahead of Oscar Piastri.
Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson finished seventh after a late battle with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. Leclerc was handed a five-second penalty for contact with Lawson’s left rear tyre, dropping him to eighth. Ferrari teammate Lewis Hamilton finished ninth after recovering from 20th on the grid.
Nico Hulkenberg claimed the final championship point in 10th place after a competitive midfield battle.
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