Norris Holds Off Antonelli to Win São Paulo Sprint as Piastri Crashes Out

Lando Norris secured a crucial victory in the São Paulo Sprint, masterfully managing tricky wet-to-dry conditions to extend his championship lead. The McLaren driver faced a formidable challenge from Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli, who finished a strong second. However, the race was a disaster for Norris’s teammate and title rival, Oscar Piastri, who crashed out early in a costly unforced error (1,2).

Norris Weathers the Storm

Starting from pole, Lando Norris delivered a composed and commanding performance. He successfully navigated the initial damp laps at Interlagos, building a gap before the track began to dry. Despite constant pressure from Kimi Antonelli, Norris managed his pace and tires perfectly to take his second consecutive São Paulo Sprint win. The victory provides him with a significant points advantage in the fiercely contested 2025 championship battle (3).

Antonelli Shines, Piastri Falters

The story of the sprint was the thrilling duel between the seasoned leader and the rising star. Mercedes rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli was relentless in his pursuit of Norris, proving his mettle and securing an impressive second place. He kept the pressure on the McLaren throughout the race, signaling his potential as a future front-runner.

In stark contrast, the sprint was a nightmare for Oscar Piastri. While running in a strong third position, the Australian driver made a critical mistake on lap six.

« A silly mistake, an unfortunate mistake, » Piastri commented after the race. « I just dipped a wheel on the white line and around I went. » (4)

The error sent his McLaren spinning into the barriers, ending his race prematurely and handing a massive advantage to his teammate in the championship standings. It was another blow in what has been a challenging period for Piastri, who has struggled to match Norris’s recent form (5).

Sprint Race Results

The final classification for the top three finishers reflects a day of mixed fortunes for the championship contenders.

Position	Driver	Team
1	Lando Norris	McLaren
2	Kimi Antonelli	Mercedes
3	George Russell	Mercedes

Piastri’s crash allowed George Russell to move up and secure the final podium position, making it a strong day for the Mercedes team (3). The incident underscores the high stakes and immense pressure of the championship fight, where a single mistake can have dramatic consequences.