Berlin, 10 November 2025 (dpa/MIA) - Lando Norris took another step towards his maiden Formula One world title by winning in Brazil on Sunday after rival and McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri again panicked and could only finish fifth.

Australian Piastri had led the standings for most of the season but a series of mistakes in recent races have let in Briton Norris, who won the last grand prix in Mexico and Saturday's sprint race in Sao Paulo.

Norris now leads Piastri by 24 points with three grand prix weekends left.

"It can change so quickly, so I just focus on myself, keep my head down and keep pushing," Norris said as he matched Piastri with a seventh season win.

Four-times world champion Max Verstappen started from the pits after a new power unit and other changes to his Red Bull, which could only take him to 16th in qualifying.

Despite a puncture, the world champion surged his way up to third in scenes reminiscent of his incredible victory here last year from 17th. The Dutchman astonishingly led the race for a short spell, but his late title charge looks over as he trails Norris by 49 points.

Kimi Antonelli finished second for Mercedes with team-mate George Russell fourth.

"The last few laps were very stressful with Max coming with fresher tyres," Antonelli said after his best finish in his rookie season.

"I found my rhythm, I raised the pace and started to push a bit more. In the dirty air it is hard to follow, I tried to use that to my advantage and it paid off."

Early chaos

An early safety car phase led to chaos at the restart with Piastri trying to overtake almost immediately but clipping Antonelli, who then hit Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari.

The Monegasque's race was over and Piastri found himself second but an investigation was launched by the stewards, who later gave him a 10-second penalty.

He pressured Norris once the virtual safety car was removed but the pole-sitter managed to hold him off and the Australian slipped back after serving his penalty.

A two-stop strategy for Norris was risky as Verstappen stormed up the field, but it paid off as the Dutchman had to pit again when leading.

Norris added: "It was a great win, but to see how quick Max was today - I'm disappointed we weren't quicker. We need to see what we can do."

Norris had got way clean from pole but Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton had a bad start and slipped to 17th, a broken front wing needing an early pit stop after contact with Carlos Sainz and Franco Colapinto.

The safety car had to come out on lap two after Gabriel Bortoleto, in front of his home fans, sent his Sauber into the barriers after being squeezed by Lance Stroll.

Bortoleto, who also crashed in the sprint, could not restart in a big blow to supporters at Interlagos while Hamilton rejoined despite a broken floor - but later retired in a bad day for Ferrari.

Photo: EPA