Lando Norris delivered a masterclass in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, overcoming challenging wet conditions and a bizarre podium incident to claim victory. The McLaren driver, who started from pole, recovered from a slow getaway to dominate the race, but his celebration was briefly interrupted when he was struck by fireworks during the podium ceremony.
Norris, known for his exuberant podium antics, jumped off the top step and attempted his signature champagne celebration by smashing the bottle on the ground. However, the force of his jump caused the bottle to shatter, and as he stepped back, he inadvertently caught the side of his head in the sparkles from the fireworks. Despite initial concern, McLaren team principal Andrea Stella confirmed that Norris was unhurt, and the Briton showed no ill effects in his post-race interviews.
Reflecting on the race, Norris described it as "one of the hardest races of the year in terms of focus needed every lap and therefore one of the best." The conditions at Interlagos were treacherous, with a wet track that gradually dried before more rain arrived at the end. Through it all, Norris was virtually flawless, making new world champion Kimi Antonelli look fallible for the first time this season and fending off a charging Max Verstappen, who recovered from 21st on the grid to finish second.
Norris's performance was particularly impressive given his relatively slow start, which allowed Antonelli to build an eight-second lead in the first 13 laps. However, as the track dried, Norris began to close the gap. A strategic call to switch to slick tyres a lap before Antonelli paid off, and when the Italian spun at Turn One under pressure, Norris inherited a lead he would never relinquish.
"A lot was thrown at everyone on a day like today, but it was probably one of our best races in terms of execution and pit stops, timing of things," Norris said. "We boxed one lap early on to the slicks. I came out and was right behind him and forced him to push a little bit more, and obviously he went into a mistake and I could capitalise on it. Also, from my side, just not making any mistakes, which is so easy to do on a day like today. So, great performance from the whole team. Certainly up there with one of the best I've ever had."
For McLaren, the victory marks a welcome return to form after a mid-season slump. The team started the year slowly, having diverted resources to secure their title double in 2025, but by mid-summer they had caught up, and Norris took two consecutive wins either side of the summer break. However, other teams soon overtook them in development, and recent races have been a struggle, especially in qualifying. The combination of new parts, a circuit that suits their car, and Norris's excellence in wet conditions put them back on top.
Stella praised Norris's adaptability and sensitivity to grip, saying, "When Lando operates at his best, he's definitely one of the best drivers on the grid. We have seen that in these conditions. He's very sensitive in understanding how much grip is available. And very complete as a driver, despite still having many years ahead of him. Adaptability is probably the most important feature you may want to possess as a driver. When there's a need to understand what's best, how to operate, he's definitely a master."
Verstappen, who finished second, was left to rue what might have been. The four-time champion started from 21st due to an engine penalty but quickly climbed into the top five. However, once on slick tyres, he struggled with extreme oversteer in high-speed corners, which he believes may have been caused by a car issue. "We need to understand if something broke on the car, some kind of aero loss or whatever, because this was not normal," Verstappen said. "I sit here, of course, very happy with second, but at the same time, I know there was more in it if the car had been in good shape."
For Antonelli, the race was a mix of disappointment and consolation. The new world champion looked set to celebrate his title with a win, but his uncharacteristic spin ended those hopes. "Very disappointing because we were on for the win up to that point," he said. "Also on the slicks, once I was able to get some temperature, I was getting to the rhythm, but yeah, the spin came, which still is something I need to look at because I don't know why I lost the rear so quickly as well, like no warning, nothing."
Mercedes teammate George Russell also had a challenging afternoon. After starting seventh, he had moved up to third and looked like the only driver capable of challenging Norris on raw pace. However, a spin exiting the pits turned a 1.2-second deficit into 20 seconds, ending his hopes of a win. Nevertheless, fourth and fifth places for Russell and Antonelli were enough for Mercedes to clinch the constructors' championship, their ninth overall and first since 2021.
Team boss Toto Wolff reflected on the season and the challenges ahead. "Look at the last few races, we haven't won," he said. "Then today at the beginning of the race, Kimi was just storming away. It looked like this could be ours. But the competition has been getting tougher between Ferrari, McLaren, Red Bull and ourselves. It's four teams that can win races and will be challenging for a world championship. And I have no doubt that this is going to be very difficult for us next year."
Wolff is pleased that Mercedes have returned to the front after a difficult period but does not expect another era of dominance. "It looks like the most competitive era that is about to start, because the teams have become so professional in capability, in resource, that this kind of runaway seasons, I don't see them any more, whether it's four in a row or eight in a row. And that is a completely new challenge," he said. "It's great for the sport. I wished it was the era of Mercedes and me running away with another few championships. I don't think it's the reality."
