Norris takes victory in the Sao Paulo Sprint ahead of Piastri after McLaren driver switch

McLaren carried out a driver switch on Lap 22 to move Norris up into first place – but this then put Piastri in danger of losing his position to Verstappen, the world champion only around half a second back. Moments later, though, a Virtual Safety Car was called to clear the stricken Haas of Hulkenberg.

As the VSC period came to an end on the final lap, Piastri had his work cut out in fending off Verstappen. The Australian ultimately held the position, though, meaning that McLaren secured a one-two result led by Norris as the chequered flag fell.

Verstappen followed in third, but it was confirmed that the reigning champion would be investigated for a Virtual Safety Car infringement after the Sprint. Following a hearing with the stewards, he received a five-second time penalty as well as one penalty point on his licence for being above the minimum time at the VSC end, dropping him down to fourth in the results.

This promoted Leclerc up into third place, with fellow Ferrari driver Sainz in fifth, Russell in sixth and Gasly in seventh, while Perez scored the final point on offer in eighth.

The result means that Norris has closed the gap in the drivers’ championship to 44 points, while McLaren are now 34 points clear of Ferrari in the constructors’ table.