Norris Wins Sao Paulo Sprint to Cut Verstappen’s F1 Lead
Oscar Piastri obeyed McLaren team orders to gift Lando Norris a Sao Paulo sprint-race victory, resulting in a one-two finish that reduced Max Verstappen’s Formula One lead over his British rival to 45 points on Saturday.
Piastri, who started from pole position, led the race until two laps from the end, when he relinquished the lead after Verstappen passed Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc for third, becoming an increasing threat. The timing of the switch was crucial, as a late virtual safety car created a tense final lap. Piastri finished just 0.593 seconds behind Norris, with Verstappen trailing by 0.904 seconds.
Following the race, Verstappen was informed he is under investigation for a potential virtual safety car infringement that could result in a five-second penalty, dropping him to fourth place.
“Oscar deserved it, but we’re doing what we had to do,” said Norris, who started second on the grid. “We were clearly quicker than the guys behind; it’s just difficult in a sprint race knowing how much to manage and push, but we executed it well.”
Piastri’s race engineer expressed gratitude over the radio for his “massive support to the team,” as the Australian driver is out of title contention.
Verstappen and Leclerc engaged in a lengthy battle for third before the champion took the position on the 18th of 24 laps. A smoldering Haas, driven by Nico Hulkenberg, triggered the virtual safety car.
“I had to wait for some mistakes, and luckily they came, which I could use to my advantage,” Verstappen noted, aware he faces a five-place grid penalty for Sunday’s race due to an engine change.
This sprint marks the first time this season that Verstappen has been defeated in this format. Carlos Sainz finished fifth, followed by George Russell in sixth for Mercedes and Pierre Gasly seventh for Renault-owned Alpine, while Sergio Perez secured the final point in eighth for Red Bull.
The main Sao Paulo Grand Prix is set for Sunday.
