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Rain Forecast and Sprint Weekend Put Norris–Piastri Title Duel, Verstappen Charge in Play

McLaren refuses to name a number one as experts warn a 2007-style standoff could hand Verstappen an opening.

Overview

  • With four rounds left, Lando Norris leads Oscar Piastri by one point, and Max Verstappen sits 36 points off the top.
  • Zak Brown and Andrea Stella reaffirm McLaren will not impose team orders, saying the team prefers fair racing even if it risks the title.
  • Rain is forecast across the São Paulo weekend, which includes a sprint and separate qualifying sessions, conditions Verstappen has excelled in at Interlagos.
  • Piastri’s recent dip and Norris’s steadier results have flipped the lead, prompting outside claims of internal favoritism that McLaren denies.
  • Williams confirms a 2026 rebrand to the “Williams F1 Team” and will run a special Brazil livery featuring a new color mix this weekend.