Mercedes Secure Ninth Constructors Championship; Lando Norris Wins Sao Paulo Grand Prix Result
Norris takes control
Norris started from pole but lost the lead immediately to Antonelli, who built an advantage of more than eight seconds by lap 13. As the track dried, Norris stopped for slick tyres on lap 16 and moved close behind the Mercedes driver.
Antonelli reported that his car felt unusual under acceleration. On lap 20, he spun at the entry to Turn One, giving Norris the lead. Norris had the pace to stay ahead of Verstappen in changing conditions. He used another set of soft tyres before switching to intermediates as rain intensified in the final 10 laps.
Mercedes recovers from errors
Russell started seventh and climbed to third, but spun while leaving the pit lane. He lost 15 to 20 seconds and rejoined in 10th place after rivals passed as he straightened the car.
Russell later had more pace than Antonelli. Mercedes directed the pair to exchange positions in the closing laps as the team secured its ninth constructors’ title, and first since 2021.
Verstappen fights forward
Verstappen made rapid progress, reaching sixth place by lap 10 and catching Liam Lawson’s Racing Bulls. Isack Hadjar was ahead, pursuing Russell, while Verstappen closed on his team-mate.
Hadjar matched Verstappen’s pace at times but was less consistent and made mistakes. Verstappen eventually finished behind Norris, who maintained control in both wet and dry conditions.
Key points
- Norris won the Sao Paulo Grand Prix after Antonelli spun from the lead.
- Verstappen finished behind Norris after recovering through the field.
- Mercedes claimed its ninth constructors’ title, its first since 2021.
- Russell lost time in a pit-lane spin before recovering to contend for the podium.