Norris Wins Again! Sao Paolo Race Recap – Verstappen 3rd from Pitlane

Lando Norris delivered another brilliant drive to win the F1 Brazil Grand Prix after an intense battle filled with drama and strategy. Starting from pole, the McLaren driver stayed calm through changing race situations. Behind him, rookie Kimi Antonelli secured second, while Max Verstappen produced a stunning comeback from a pitlane start to claim third place.

Start

The track was dry this time. Verstappen started from the pitlane, because his car was modified after the qualifying.

Norris retained his first position ahead of Antonelli and Leclerc. Piastri 4th – was fighting with Hadjar, but the Aussie could defend the attack.

Lap 1

Bortoleto crashed in Turn 10, which meant the Brazilian’s race ended. At the end of the lap, Hamilton lost the first wing during an overtake against Colapinto.

Lap 2

The Safety Car was deployed because of Bortoleto’s accident.

Lap 6

Piastri in Turn 1 knocked Antonelli, who knocked Leclerc. The Ferrari’s driver’s first suspension broke and stopped next to the track. VSC deployed.

Lap 9

Racing again, Norris led, Piastri and Antonelli round out the TOP3. Verstappen after his fantastic opening laps, had to pit, because of a puncture.

Lap 17

Piastri was penalised with a 10 seconds time penalty due to the Antonelli-Leclerc crash. This time Verstappen was driving as 9th from the pit lane start.

Lap 22

Antonelli changed the Pirellis as first in the leader group.

Lap 30

Norris pitted, he continued on softs. The leader British backed as 4th. Piastri became the race leader that time. 

Lap 33

Norris overtook Verstappen, and gained the 3rd place.

Lap 39

Piastri pitted and completed the 10 seconds time penalty – back as 8th.

Hamilton retired the car.

Norris led again, Antonelli and Russell behind him.

Lap 48

Antonelli was in the pit again from 2nd, at the end of the lap Russell too.

Lap 50

Norris got new tyres from 1st, Verstappen took the lead. Norris started to hunt the Dutchman from 3rd.

Lap 55-60

Verstappen pitted – Norris got back to race leader position. The Red Bull driver on 4th and started to catch the two Mercedeses in front of him.

Lap 63

Verstappen 3rd as he jumped Russell over.

Lap 71

Norris won the race, Antonelli saved the 2nd in front of Verstappen. The Dutchman finished 3rd from pit lane start. Russell 4th, Piastri 5th only. Bearman had a great 6th position.

Norris has 24 points advantage to Piastri in the drivers’ standing

The full results of the race according to FIA.com: