Oscar Piastri let title-chasing Lando Norris through to win the Sprint and give his McLaren team-mate an extra point in his championship chase against Max Verstappen at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
With Verstappen finishing third – but under investigation for an alleged Virtual Safety Car infringement on the final lap behind Piastri – after overtaking Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc late on, Norris has cut his Red Bull rival’s lead in the Drivers’ Championship to 45 points ahead of Sunday’s main race – for which the Dutchman carries a five-place grid penalty for an engine change.
Having suggested after qualifying on Sprint pole that he would be willing to cede the Saturday win to Norris, Piastri led the race’s first 21 laps before duly letting Norris through down Interlagos’ back straight in a choreographed switch of position overseen by the McLaren pit wall.
Verstappen ended up right on Piastri’s tail after a race-long pursuit of Leclerc ultimately saw the Red Bull driver overtake the Monegasque several laps beforehand.
But Verstappen faces a stewards’ investigation ahead of main qualifying at 6pm for an alleged VSC infringement, which is believed to relate to him running right on Piastri’s tail as the controlled-speed period ended mid-way around the final lap and he nearly overtook the McLaren.
Drivers have to adhere to a controlled time under the VSC, which was called after Nico Hulkenberg’s Haas stopped on the side of the track.
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Oscar Piastri held on to the lead from McLaren teammate Lando Norris on the opening lap of the Sprint at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
With Leclerc having to settle for fourth after Ferrari’s race pace of recent races did not materialise as expected, Carlos Sainz was fifth in the sister car with George Russell sixth in the lead Mercedes.
More to follow…
Sky Sports F1’s live Sao Paulo GP schedule
Saturday November 2
5pm: Sao Paulo Qualifying build-up
6pm: Sao Paulo GP Qualifying
8pm: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook
Sunday November 3
3.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Sao Paulo GP build-up
5pm: THE SAO PAULO GRAND PRIX
7pm: Chequered Flag: Sao Paulo GP reaction
8pm: Ted’s Notebook
Formula 1’s Americas triple header concludes this weekend with the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, with every session live on Sky Sports F1. Stream every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership – No contract, cancel anytime
