Summary:
- Lando Norris won sprint and grand prix in Sao Paolo, extending his championship lead to 24 points over teammate Oscar Piastri.
- Piastri’s struggles continued with crashes and penalties.
- Norris hit a consistent stride after early-season mistakes; Max Verstappen fought from the pit lane to finish third.
Lando Norris brushed off questions about the championship after his win in Sao Paulo, but it’s hard to imagine he isn’t thinking about it. His back-to-back victories have turned what was a tight race into something approaching control.
Norris: “It’s a Great Win”
After finishing 24 points ahead of McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri, and 49 points clear of Max Verstappen, Norris heads to Las Vegas with a clear advantage in the standings.
“Not at all”, Norris said when asked if the championship was on his mind. Yet his performance speaks volumes. The Briton’s weekend in Brazil was near flawless: pole position, sprint race win, and a commanding grand prix victory.
It’s a great win but to be honest, seeing how quick Max was today, I’m pretty disappointed we weren’t quicker. That’s where my mind is at the minute.
Norris’ ascent comes amid Piastri’s domination earlier in the season, followed by his faltering over the past seven races, due to mistakes in multiple events and consistency loss.
Brazil underscored that shift, as Piastri crashed out in the sprint, penalized in the grand prix for a collision at Turn One, and never looked like a threat to Norris’ momentum.
Piastri said,
Just try and get the most out of the rest of the season. The penalty was one thing, but I don’t think the pace was at a level I wanted it to be.
“Have Confidence in Yourself”
Meanwhile, Norris’ rise reflects more than just raw talent. Intense focus with his team has helped him iron out the inconsistencies that plagued his early season.
I’ve just learned to deal with things better. Have confidence in yourself, believe in yourself, and speak your mind.
That mindset, combined with strong performances on track, has helped him live up to the high expectations placed on him at the season’s start.
Starting from the pit lane after a technical setback, Verstappen fought his way to third place in a performance many called one of the season’s best. Despite the drive, he now faces a steep climb to catch Norris, with only three races left.
Over the whole season, we haven’t been good enough. But we will try everything we can until the end of the season.
On the other hand, Norris appears to be determined to do what he’s done all weekend: controlling the race, backing his team, and letting the points add up.
With 3 races left will Lando Norris secure his maiden F1 Title? Or Will Verstappen/Piastri pull it back to take it to a winner take all race in Abu Dhabi? For the best odds look no further than Non UK Betting Sites for Players from the UK