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Norris wins gripping race after Antonelli and Russell errors

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Norris wins gripping race after Antonelli and Russell errors
McLaren's Lando Norris during the Sao Paulo Grand PrixImage source, Press AssociationImage caption,

Lando Norris won the sprint race and main grand prix in Sao Paulo last year

ByAndrew BensonF1 Correspondent
  • Published12 minutes ago

McLaren's Lando Norris beat Max Verstappen to win a gripping Sao Paulo Grand Prix in which new world champion Kimi Antonelli and Mercedes team-mate George Russell both made critical mistakes in difficult conditions.

Norris, who started from pole, lost the lead to Antonelli at the start and dropped back when the track was wet.

But an earlier pit stop for dry-weather tyres put Norris on Antonelli's tail and the Italian spun away the lead at the first corner.

After reclaiming the lead, Norris dominated through a late shower of rain which required a switch back to wet-weather tyres to take his first win since the Dutch Grand Prix at the end of August.

A few laps before Antonelli lost the lead, Russell, who started seventh, spun exiting the pits and lost 15 to 20 seconds after working his way back into podium contention.

Despite their travails, Russell and Antonelli finished fourth and fifth to clinch the constructors' championship for Mercedes a week after the Italian had tied up the drivers' title.

Norris had too much pace for Verstappen whether the track was dry or wet and stamped his authority on the race.

But the Dutchman put in another supreme drive in changeable conditions in Interlagos to take second after starting in 21st place.

The key stories of the race were:

  • An accomplished performance from Norris in a revived McLaren to take his first win for more than two months

  • A superb comeback from Verstappen from an engine penalty

  • A difficult day for both Mercedes and Ferrari in the tricky conditions

More to follow

The Mercedes of Kimi Antonelli spins off during the Sao Paulo Grand PrixImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption,

Kimi Antonelli spun off from the lead shortly after changing to slick tyres

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Originally reported by BBC Sport. Read the full story at the original source.