Lando Norris won the Sao Paulo Grand Prix after new world champion Kimi Antonelli spun out of the lead in slippery conditions at Interlagos. Antonelli had jumped pole-sitter Norris during a damp start but fell apart after his stop for dry tires and finished fifth. Max Verstappen pulled off a typically brilliant comeback drive from 21st on the grid to finish second, ahead of Red Bull teammate Isack Hadjar. George Russell's podium hopes were undone by a staggering spin in the pit lane exit, recovering well to fourth, while Lewis Hamilton from the back of the grid only earned ninth. Mercedes clinched the constructors' title, a week on from Antonelli celebrating his drivers' crown.
Norris masterfully claimed pole in soaking conditions on Saturday afternoon, pipping Russell to top spot before his five-place grid drop for an engine penalty. Norris was joined on the front row by the man who deposed him as champion. The Italian had a moment of fortune as he made his way to the grid, skidding across the grass and narrowly avoiding the barriers before hauling his Mercedes out of the mud. Behind them was a jumbled-up order with Liam Lawson third, Nico Hülkenberg fourth ahead of Hadjar and Oliver Bearman. Antonelli jumped Norris at Turn 1, but the McLaren man was then undone by Lawson at Turn 2. Hamilton began 20th after engine woe on Saturday, with Charles Leclerc 14th after his own penalty. Hamilton soared up to ninth by the end of Lap 1, steaming past a string of cars. Hamilton's 400th Grand Prix start came at the end of a week where he criticized Leclerc's mentality after a first-lap overtake in Mexico. The Ferrari pair say their issues are over after showdown talks with boss Fred Vasseur.
Source: ESPN General · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing