Lando Norris wins Brazil GP to extend world championship lead

McLaren’s Lando Norris strengthened his grip on the Formula 1 world title after winning the Brazilian Grand Prix on Sunday, extending his lead in the drivers’ standings to 24 points over teammate Oscar Piastri with just three races remaining.

Lando Norris claimed victory at the Brazilian Grand Prix in São Paulo on Sunday, tightening his hold on the Formula 1 world championship in what has become one of the sport’s most thrilling title battles in years.

The McLaren driver dominated at Interlagos, while his main title rival and teammate Oscar Piastri struggled to make the podium, allowing Norris to open up a 24-point lead in the standings with just three races left this season, in Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi.

However, much of the attention turned to Max Verstappen, who delivered a remarkable comeback drive to finish third. The Red Bull star, and reigning world champion, was forced to start from the pit lane and suffered an early puncture, yet still managed to fight his way through the field to claim a podium finish.

Verstappen now sits 49 points behind Norris, a gap that makes it increasingly unlikely he will defend his title. Still, his performance drew admiration across the paddock for its sheer determination and technical mastery.

Fans and commentators praised Verstappen’s drive despite his fading title hopes. One fan wrote, “Full respect to Max Verstappen. Ironic that he seems to have evolved into F1’s all-time complete driver in a year that he isn’t going to win the WDC.”

Norris, meanwhile, celebrated his fifth win of the season but urged his team to stay focused in the championship run-in.

“We can’t afford to relax now,” Norris told reporters. “The last three races will be tough — the margins are small, and we’ve seen how quickly things can change.”

McLaren’s growing dominance in both the drivers’ and constructors’ standings has been one of the standout stories of the 2025 season, marking a dramatic turnaround for the team that just two years ago was fighting in the midfield.

While Norris appears to be on course to claim his first world title, fans online remained divided. Some criticised Oscar Piastri’s lack of consistency, calling it a “generational bottle job,” while others hailed Norris’s poise and determination under pressure.

The season now heads to Las Vegas, where the night race could prove decisive in the battle for the championship — and where the spotlight will once again fall on whether Norris can keep his nerve and secure his place among Formula 1’s elite.

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