Lando Norris Wins in Brazil as Verstappen Fights from 19th

Lando Norris delivered a brilliant performance at the São Paulo Grand Prix, winning from pole position in what many are calling his finest race of the season. The British driver dominated throughout the weekend, winning both the sprint race and the main event to strengthen his position in the championship. Norris now has a comfortable 24-point lead over teammate Oscar Piastri in the title standings.

While Norris celebrated a near-perfect weekend, Max Verstappen once again proved why he remains one of the most talented drivers in Formula 1. Starting from 19th in the pit lane after a poor qualifying session and a new engine change, the Red Bull driver charged through the field to finish third. His drive was full of determination and skill, reminding fans that he is never out of contention no matter the circumstances.

Red Bull had struggled throughout the weekend, failing to find the right setup for Verstappen’s car. To fix the issues, the team took a bold decision to start from the pit lane with a new setup and fresh engine. The decision worked perfectly, as Verstappen’s car came alive on race day. His pace was incredible, and despite three pit stops, including one for a slow puncture, he kept moving forward with consistent overtakes.

While Verstappen was busy cutting through the field, Norris stayed composed at the front. The young McLaren driver controlled the race pace, managed his tyres efficiently, and did not let the pressure of the title race affect his performance. His precision and focus showed how much he has matured this season. After the race, Norris said he was simply keeping his head down and ignoring outside opinions, focusing only on improvement and consistency.

Norris’s seventh win of the season marks a major shift in the championship battle. Earlier in the year, he was 34 points behind Piastri, and critics doubted his ability to fight for the title. However, with a string of dominant performances, Norris has silenced those doubts. He now looks more confident and determined than ever. Meanwhile, Verstappen, despite his strong drive, remains 49 points behind Norris with three races left — in Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi.

Oscar Piastri, who started from fourth, suffered an early setback when he received a 10-second penalty for colliding with Kimi Antonelli at the first corner. Although Piastri recovered to finish fifth, the penalty cost him valuable points in the title fight. The incident sparked debate, with Piastri believing he was not at fault, arguing that Antonelli had not given him enough space. Still, the damage to his championship hopes was evident.

Kimi Antonelli, despite the early collision, managed to deliver an impressive performance for Mercedes, finishing second — a career-best result. His teammate George Russell followed closely behind in fourth place, marking a strong double finish for the team. Antonelli’s podium finish is a sign of Mercedes’ improving form and the young driver’s growing confidence on the big stage.

It was a disappointing race for Lewis Hamilton, who had to retire his Ferrari after suffering floor damage in the opening laps. The seven-time world champion’s debut season with Ferrari has been full of challenges, and the São Paulo Grand Prix added another setback. Despite early hopes, Hamilton’s pace dropped quickly, forcing the team to retire the car for safety reasons.

Even though Norris extended his lead, Verstappen’s performance reminded everyone that he remains a serious competitor. His pace was so strong that Norris himself admitted Verstappen would have probably won the race if he had started higher up. Norris called Verstappen “a constant threat” and said he expects the Red Bull driver to fight hard in the final three rounds.

Norris appeared more composed and confident than ever as he spoke after the race. He explained that he had learned from earlier mistakes and was now focused on maintaining consistency. McLaren’s engineers praised his maturity and calmness, noting that his ability to manage pressure is what sets him apart this season. Piastri, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly to keep his championship hopes alive.

With only three races left in the 2025 Formula 1 season, the championship is far from over. Norris holds the advantage, but Verstappen’s comeback drive in Brazil has reignited excitement among fans. The next race in Las Vegas is expected to test drivers with its fast street circuit, followed by the heat of Qatar and the final showdown in Abu Dhabi. The title race now promises thrilling battles and emotional finishes as the season draws to a close.