Norris wins rain-hit race as Mercedes clinch teams’ title and double

In the challenging rain-hit Sao Paulo Grand Prix, McLaren's Lando Norris secured his second consecutive victory, clinching a well-deserved double for the team as Mercedes sealed the constructors' championship. The 26-year-old, 2025 world champion, crossed the finish line 14.6 seconds ahead of Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar, marking his 14th career win and the 50th podium finish of his career.

Verstappen, starting from the 21st position, showcased a remarkable performance, while George Russell secured fourth place after starting fifth and spinning at the pitlane, followed by teammate Kimi Antonelli, who finished fifth.

Despite the challenging race conditions, Norris remained composed, stating, "It was difficult with the launches off the line, a lot of challenges, going to slicks in the wet and so tough when you are pushing! But I kept it cool and made no mistakes and it is nice to be on the top step again." Verstappen echoed Norris' sentiment, acknowledging the race's challenges and commending the team's performance.

Hadjar also praised the race, mentioning the difficulties in switching between tire compounds and the impact of additional rain.

The race commenced with a spectacular opening lap, as Antonelli led into the Senna Esses, with Norris struggling to start from his 20th pole position and Lawson moving up to third in the Curva do Sol. Lewis Hamilton and Verstappen took advantage of their back-of-the-grid starts, finishing ninth and 10th within two laps as plumes of spray spread throughout the field.

Norris quickly recovered, passing Lawson by lap six, while Antonelli was 5.1 seconds ahead, instructed to keep his tires cool. As the track began to dry, Verstappen and Antonelli delayed their stops, allowing Norris to capitalize on his earlier stop, warming his tires and taking the lead on lap 20. Norris then secured the win during a strategic pit stop on lap 63, leaving his team ahead of Ferrari and claiming the well-deserved title double.