JUST IN : Norris Secures Sprint Victory After McLaren Team Orders; Piastri Plays Key Role
Norris Secures Sprint Victory After McLaren Team Orders; Piastri Plays Key Role
Lando Norris clinched his first career sprint race win at the Brazilian Grand Prix, reducing Max Verstappen’s lead in the championship by three points. Norris’s success came after teammate Oscar Piastri allowed him to pass in the final stages of the 24-lap sprint, defending against Verstappen’s challenge and showcasing McLaren’s team strategy.
The Briton took the lead on lap 22 when Piastri made way, ultimately finishing 0.593 seconds ahead of the Australian. Verstappen, 1.5 seconds behind Piastri, crossed the line in third, only to be later demoted to fourth by stewards due to a virtual safety car infraction. Charles Leclerc, benefiting from Verstappen’s penalty, claimed the third spot.
Reflecting on his win, Norris acknowledged the team play that contributed to his victory. “I’m not proud of it, but it worked well, and as a team we had a good day — and thanks to Oscar,” he said. “He deserved to win, but we’re doing what we have to do.”
With his first sprint race victory, Norris has cut Verstappen’s lead to 44 points, with only four race weekends remaining. Verstappen, who is facing a five-place grid penalty in Sunday’s main race due to an engine change, commented that his focus will be on “limiting the damage” to his title defense.
The successful one-two finish for McLaren has also strengthened their position in the constructors’ standings, now 35 points ahead of Ferrari. This win ended Verstappen’s string of sprint race victories, bringing a sense of optimism for McLaren going into the main race.
Before heavy rain postponed the qualifying session to Sunday, McLaren’s strong pace hinted at the team’s potential to challenge for more points in the weekend’s main event, even as Verstappen faces challenges to hold his title lead.
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