Lando Norris won the Sao Paulo Grand Prix in a race that challenged drivers to their limits. Norris jumped off the podium step to perform his signature champagne celebration, but the force of his jump caused the bottle to shatter. He then inadvertently put his head into sparklers being set off by fireworks, while Red Bull drivers Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar drenched him with champagne.
McLaren team boss Andrea Stella later confirmed Norris was unhurt and showed no ill effects in post-race interviews. Interlagos threw everything at the drivers, starting on a wet track that dried progressively. Norris was virtually impeccable, fending off new world champion Kimi Antonelli and a charging Max Verstappen.
Starting from pole, Norris was slow away as Antonelli took the lead. After building an eight-second advantage, Norris pitted for slicks a lap early, emerging right behind Antonelli. He forced the champion into a mistake, took the lead, and never looked back.
Norris called it one of the hardest races of the year in terms of focus. For both Norris and McLaren, it was a welcome return to form after a slow start, having diverted resources to their 2026 car last year. By mid-summer they caught up, with Norris taking two wins before other teams overtook them again.
This victory marks a strong finish to a challenging season.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing