Lando Norris shrugged off questions about the championship after a dominant Sao Paulo weekend, insisting it wasn’t on his mind even as his position at the top of the standings strengthened. Whether by design or deflection, the result has put him firmly in control.
Norris completed a clean sweep — taking pole, winning the sprint and converting the grand prix victory — and extended his advantage to 24 points over team-mate Oscar Piastri. Max Verstappen lurks a further 49 points back. With three races left and a maximum of 83 points still available, the title remains mathematically open, but Norris heads to Las Vegas in a commanding spot.
The momentum in the championship has swung dramatically in recent weeks. After the Dutch Grand Prix in August Piastri held a 34-point cushion following his seventh win and Norris’ retirement. Since then Norris has been the stronger driver: across the last seven events, including two sprints, he has clawed back 58 points, while Piastri’s form has faltered.
Sao Paulo was almost flawless for Norris. He looked in control throughout the weekend and admitted he was concerned by how quick Verstappen’s race pace appeared; he said he and the team would rev
