Lando Norris claimed his third victory of the 2026 Formula 1® season at the São Paulo Grand Prix, beating Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar in a thrilling, rain-affected race at Interlagos on Sunday. The McLaren driver converted pole position into victory, finishing 14.6 seconds ahead of Verstappen, who produced a remarkable recovery from P21 on the grid. Hadjar completed the podium to give Red Bull a double top-three finish.
Lando Norris wins Sao Paulo Grand Prix as Max Verstappen charges from P21
Kimi Antonelli initially made a superb start to take the lead into Turn 1, while Norris dropped behind Liam Lawson. Verstappen wasted little time making up ground, charging through the field after starting at the back. Lewis Hamilton also enjoyed a strong opening lap, climbing from P20 towards the points in his 400th Formula 1® Grand Prix appearance.
As the race unfolded, Norris regained the lead after Antonelli spun at Turn 1, while the Mercedes driver suffered another spin shortly afterwards. Changing conditions and tyre strategies kept the field on its toes, with rain returning in the closing stages and forcing teams to switch back to intermediate tyres. Verstappen capitalised on the chaos to secure second, while Norris maintained his composure to seal the win.
George Russell finished fourth ahead of Antonelli in fifth, with Oscar Piastri sixth. Mercedes also had reason to celebrate as the result confirmed their ninth Constructors' Championship and first since 2021.
