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Lando Norris in Total Command After Brazilian Masterclass as Verstappen Steals the Show from the Back

Lando Norris delivered a champion’s performance in São Paulo, completing a flawless weekend to extend his lead in the Formula 1 title race — yet even his near-perfect display couldn’t outshine Max Verstappen’s extraordinary drive through the field.

After claiming pole position and victory in both the sprint and the grand prix, Norris leaves Interlagos 24 points clear of McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri, with Verstappen now 49 adrift. Three rounds remain — Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi — and 83 points are still up for grabs, but the Briton has seized firm control of a championship that has swung wildly since August.

Back then, Piastri looked untouchable, leading by 34 points after his seventh win of the year at Zandvoort. Since then, the Australian’s campaign has imploded. A run of mistakes — from crashes in Baku and Austin to a penalty in Brazil — has seen him surrender all momentum, while Norris has found the consistency and maturity that once eluded him.

Norris’ seventh win of the season marks a dramatic reversal of fortunes. Patient, precise, and composed, he showcased why many tipped him as champion material at the start of the year. Yet, true to form, he downplayed any talk of titles. “It’s a great win,” he said, “but seeing how quick Max was, I’m disappointed we weren’t faster. That’s where my focus is — improving.”

Verstappen, meanwhile, reminded everyone why he remains Formula 1’s ultimate reference point. Starting from the pit lane after Red Bull overhauled his car setup, he suffered a puncture early on but fought back relentlessly to finish third, tailing Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli at the flag. It was a masterclass in race craft and determination, made even more impressive given Red Bull’s lack of pace throughout the weekend.

Red Bull boss Laurent Mekies called it “sensational,” while Antonelli simply described it as “incredible.” Analysts argued Verstappen might even have won had he gambled on a longer second stint — but both teams agreed that degradation made such a move impossible.

For Piastri, the story was one of frustration. A bold attempt to recover in the main race ended with a collision that ruined Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari and earned the Australian a 10-second penalty. “I’m at peace with it,” he said, admitting his form has dipped far below expectations.

With Las Vegas next, Norris has the momentum, Verstappen the menace, and Piastri the pressure. The title fight may not be mathematically over, but momentum now wears papaya orange.

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