Norris wins Brazil GP as Antonelli errors let Mercedes seal title

Lando Norris produced a masterclass in changing conditions to win the São Paulo Grand Prix, as The Guardian reported ^[1]. The McLaren driver held off a furious Max Verstappen, who surged from 21st on the grid to take a stunning second place, while Mercedes sealed the constructors’ championship despite a troubled day for their drivers.

The BBC noted that Norris started from pole but lost the lead to newly crowned world champion Kimi Antonelli at the start ^[2]. However, an earlier pit stop strategy allowed Norris to undercut the Italian, who was struggling with tyre temperature issues. Antonelli spun off at Turn One, handing the lead to Norris, who then controlled the race through a late rain shower with consummate ease ^[1].

Verstappen’s drive was the stuff of legend, according to the Independent, as he picked his way through the field after a grid penalty for engine changes ^[3]. He caught Isack Hadjar, who had been running third, and Red Bull ordered the Frenchman to let his team-mate through. Verstappen closed the gap to Norris but ultimately lacked the pace to mount a serious challenge, finishing 14 seconds back ^[1].

The real drama for the title contenders unfolded in the Mercedes garage. George Russell, who started seventh, was in podium contention until a costly spin on the pit lane exit dropped him down the order ^[2]. Despite recovering to fourth, the incident highlighted the fragility of the moment. Meanwhile, Antonelli’s woes continued with a second off-track excursion, leaving him fifth. The team ordered Russell to pass his team-mate in the final laps to secure the points needed for the constructors' crown, as confirmed by ESPN ^[4].

Lewis Hamilton, making his 400th Grand Prix start for Ferrari, produced an impressive recovery from 20th to finish ninth ^[1]. He engaged in several wheel-to-wheel battles, including duels with Verstappen and team-mate Charles Leclerc. Leclerc finished seventh, having also recovered from a grid penalty. The result marked a significant milestone for Mercedes, ending their wait for a constructors' title since 2021, while Norris proved that McLaren remains a force to be reckoned with for 2027.

With the drivers’ and constructors’ titles decided, the paddock now turns its attention to the final triple header of the season, starting with the Las Vegas Grand Prix in November ^[2].