Overview
- Lando Norris led convincingly at Interlagos, with Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli taking a career‑best second and Max Verstappen completing the podium.
- Verstappen started from the pit lane after Red Bull’s changes, recovered from an early puncture and three stops, and surged to third with a late pass on George Russell.
- Oscar Piastri received a 10‑second penalty for causing contact in the early relaunch, contributed to Charles Leclerc’s retirement, and finished fifth.
- The opening laps featured a heavy crash for local debutant Gabriel Bortoleto and a Safety Car, while Ferrari’s day unraveled with both cars failing to finish.
- The standings now read Norris 390, Piastri 366, Verstappen 341, and Franco Colapinto placed 15th after a slow second stop, briefly holding fastest lap as Alpine confirmed him for 2026.