McLaren's Lando Norris won the Sao Paulo Grand Prix to stretch his F1 lead to 24 points on Sunday after teammate and title rival Oscar Piastri picked up a penalty for causing a collision and finished fifth.
Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli hung on for a career-best second place with Red Bull's Max Verstappen third after starting from the pitlane, another astonishing performance from the four times world champion who won from 17th on the grid last year.
Australian Piastri, who started fourth at Interlagos with sprint winner Norris on pole, had to serve a 10-second penalty for an early clash with Antonelli that put Ferrari's Charles Leclerc out of the race.
George Russell was fourth for Mercedes, who consolidated second place overall in a constructors' championship already won by McLaren.
Follow live coverage of the Brazilian Grand Prix
F1 BRAZILIAN GRAND PRIX - LATEST UPDATES
- Lando Norris wins Brazil GP; Antonelli 2nd; Verstappen 3rd
- Click HERE for the top-10 in Interlagos
- Norris extends his lead in the world championship to 24 points
- CRASH! Piastri hits Antonelli with Leclerc forced to reitre
- OUT! Bortoleto crashes out on first lap
Oscar Piastri on his day after finishing fifth:
20:33 , Kieran JacksonOn any regrets after move which resulted in penalty: “No I don’t think so. I had a very clear opportunity, went for it, the two on the outside braked quite late, there was a lock up into the corner but that’s because Kimi didn’t leave me any space, I can’t disappear but the decision is what it is.
On title: “Just try and get the most out of it as I can. Today, the penalty was one thing but I don’t think the pace was at a level that I wanted it to be. The first stint was tough. So yeah, trying to get on top of things with that and try and have the best weekends we can.”
Toto Wolff after P2 and P4 for Mercedes
23:59 , Kieran Jackson“That was a good way to end a solid weekend here in Brazil. After taking P2 and P3 in yesterday's Sprint, we backed that up with P2 and P4 today. We weren't quick enough to challenge Norris, which we expected pre-race, and the Red Bull clearly solved their issues with their changes under parc fermé.
“It was therefore good to see Kimi keep Max (Verstappen) behind at the end. He did so on a much older and harder tyre; Max had great pace today so that was no easy task once the Red Bull had got onto the back of us. George also had a faster car chasing him down in the closing stages with Piastri closing in.
“The McLaren was in DRS range for several laps, but George kept him at bay well to take P4.”
Lewis Hamilton brands F1 stewards a ‘complete joke’ after ‘devastating’ Brazil GP
23:00 , Kieran JacksonThe seven-time F1 world champion, who only started 13th on the grid after another tough qualifying session on Saturday, endured a poor start off the line as contact with the Williams of Carlos Sainz - whom he replaced at Ferrari - saw him slip down the order.
Then, he sustained a broken front wing after briefly touching the rear of Franco Colapinto’s Alpine car on the main straight and was dead last after coming into the pits.
The 40-year-old fought on despite being severely impacted by a lack of downforce, caused by a damaged floor, but the stewards then dished out a five-second penalty for that collision with Colapinto.
“These guys are a joke – a complete joke,” Hamilton said over team radio, when informed of the penalty.
Full quotes below:
Lewis Hamilton brands F1 stewards a ‘complete joke’ after ‘devastating’ Brazil GP
Charles Leclerc, after his retirement:
22:00 , Kieran JacksonOn clash: “Oscar was optimistic but Kimi knew that Oscar was on the inside and he did the corner like Oscar was never there, for me the blame is not all on Oscar.
“This could have been avoided, I’m frustrated. These things happen, I wouldn’t go as far as saying it’s all Oscar’s fault, I don’t think it is.”
Ollie Bearman, who finished sixth:
21:00 , Kieran Jackson“I’m very happy. I think honestly, we executed a perfect race, that was the best possible result we could’ve achieved, although we had some fortune with cars retiring.
“We had good pace, a good strategy, and we made some overtakes as well, which actually isn’t fun because it adds a little bit of risk. Mexico was a bit of a surprise, but to keep that momentum going with P6 is a great feeling, and now we have a great opportunity heading into the final three races.”
RACE REPORT: Lando Norris completes perfect Brazil GP weekend in massive F1 title boost
20:00 , Kieran JacksonLando Norris edged closer to being crowned champion of the world as he won the Brazilian Grand Prix and Oscar Piastri finished only fifth after being hit with a 10-second penalty.
A dominant Norris crossed the line in Interlagos 10.3 seconds clear of runner-up Kimi Antonelli, with Max Verstappen third following a remarkable drive by the Red Bull man after he started last but one.
Norris now leads Piastri by 24 points in the F1 championship standings, while Verstappen is 49 points adrift, with only 83 points to play for across the concluding three rounds.
Lando Norris completes perfect Brazil GP weekend in massive F1 title boost
Max Verstappen, after going from the pit-lane to finish third:
19:45 , Kieran Jackson“The race was quite full-on, a lot of action. Our pace was quite strong. To be on the podium from the pit-lane, I didn’t expect that at all, even with a puncture. Incredible result for us, very proud of everyone in the team – yesterday was very tough, we never give up.
“Just trying to pass as fast as possible. It wasn’t very straightforward, to finish 10 seconds off the lead for us is incredible.”
Kimi Antonelli after his late battle with Max Verstappen:
19:30 , Kieran Jackson“I don’t know where this guy came from, didn’t see him coming! The last laps were very stressful with Max coming with fresher tyres.
“I found my rhythm, I tried to push a bit more. It paid off.”
Time for the podium!
19:17 , Kieran JacksonA few jeers, but mostly applause, as Lando Norris takes the top step of the podium!
The British national anthem plays out at Interlagos and Norris will be delighted by his perfect 33-point scoring weekend!
Three to go: Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
Top-10 in driver standings
19:05 , Kieran JacksonNorris now has a 24-point lead to Piastri and 49-point lead to Verstappen.
What a turnaround it’s been!
1. Lando Norris (McLaren) – 390 points
2. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 366 points
3. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 341 points
4. George Russell (Mercedes) – 276 points
5. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 214 points
6. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – 148 points
7. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – 122 points
8. Alex Albon (Williams) – 73 points
9. Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber) - 45 points
10. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) – 41 points
Lando Norris, after his win in Brazil:
18:56 , Kieran Jackson“I was pushing, amazing race! This one was for Gil [de Ferran], one of my mentors growing up, he’d be very proud, I was thinking of that - a perfect weekend.
On how he’s turned form around: “Just ignore everyone who talks crap about you! Focus on yourself, I’m pushing hard away from the track. It doesn’t come easy for sure - happy to come out with the win.”
On title race, does he think about win: “No, not at all. It’s a great win but seeing how quick Max was, disappointed we weren’t quicker. Not a long way to go but it can change so quickly, like we saw today, focus on myself, ignore everyone and keep pushing!”
Top-10 in Interlagos:
18:47 , Kieran Jackson1. Lando Norris - McLaren
2. Kimi Antonelli - Mercedes
3. Max Verstappen - Red Bull
4. George Russell - Mercedes
5. Oscar Piastri - McLaren
6. Ollie Bearman - Haas
7. Liam Lawson - Racing Bulls
8. Isack Hadjar - Racing Bulls
9. Nico Hulkenberg - Sauber
10. Pierre Gasly - Alpine
Lando Norris after his win over radio:
18:41 , Kieran Jackson“Yeah well done, nice race and well executed - good job all weekend.
“Not quite a big enough gap for my liking though so definitely some things to look at... but thanks guys!”
Lando Norris wins the Brazilian Grand Prix
18:37 , Kieran JacksonLando Norris wins the race at Interlagos - and now has a 24-point lead in the world championship!
A perfect weekend for the Brit!
Kimi Antonelli holds off Max Verstappen to finish second, while George Russell also keeps his spot - fourth for the Brit with Piastri only fifth.
6-10: Bearman, Lawson, Hadjar, Hulkenberg, Gasly
Final lap
18:36 , Kieran JacksonAntonelli doing brilliantly so far to keep second place - just one more lap to hold on to second!
Norris is ten seconds clear in front.
Russell looks to be holding off Piastri in the battle for fourth as well...
Antonelli holds second for now (Lap 69/71)
18:33 , Kieran JacksonAre Verstappen’s tyres dropping off?
The Dutchman still has DRS but the teenager is holding his own so far, with a best-ever grand prix finish on the horizon.
Piastri, meanwhile, also on the gearbox of Russell in the battle for fourth!
Could go either way still!
Verstappen within DRS on Antonelli (Lap 67/71)
18:31 , Kieran JacksonVerstappen is making great progress and is now within one second of Antonelli in the battle for second place.
Norris is safely out in front by 7 seconds to the Italian.
Top-10 with five laps to go: Norris, Antonelli, Verstappen, Russell, Piastri, Bearman, Lawson, Hulkenberg, Hadjar, Gasly
Verstappen takes third from Russell (Lap 63/71)
18:26 , Kieran JacksonVerstappen up to the podium places!
The Red Bull swoops around the outside on the main straight and has superior pace over Russell.
Next up? Kimi Antonelli, two seconds down the road.
Norris’ lead is now 7.4 seconds to Antonelli.
Russell has brake issues (Lap 59/71)
18:21 , Kieran JacksonProblems for Russell in third - he’s got brake issues and has to lift-and-coast on the straights.
Verstappen is being told by his engineer that P2 is on for the Dutchman. He’s now less than two seconds off the Mercedes...
Verstappen is flying (Lap 57/71)
18:19 , Kieran JacksonA fastest lap from the Red Bull driver and he is now 4.5 seconds off Russell in third.
Verstappen: “We have nothing to lose.”
Top-10: Norris, Antonelli, Russell, Verstappen, Piastri, Bearman, Lawson, Hulkenberg, Hadjar, Gasly
Verstappen pits (Lap 55/71)
18:16 , Kieran JacksonWow OK - Red Bull have made their final move, with a new set of softs available.
The Dutchman pits from the lead and drops to fourth, behind Norris, Antonelli and Russell.
Norris re-takes the lead and is 5.3 seconds ahead of Antonelli.
Piastri pits (Lap 52/71)
18:11 , Kieran JacksonThe Australian now pits again and he drops to seventh, behind Ollie Bearman.
Verstappen’s lead is now seven seconds to Norris. Can the Brit find a way through?!
Norris pits (Lap 51/71)
18:11 , Kieran JacksonNorris now makes his second stop, back onto mediums after a 2.2-second stop, and he drops to third - four seconds off Piastri.
Verstappen now leads! Can he keep it in the remaining 20 laps?
Top-10: Verstappen, Piastri, Norris, Antonelli, Russell, Lawson, Bearman, Hulkenberg, Albon, Stroll
Russell pits (Lap 47/71)
18:09 , Kieran JacksonRussell drops to sixth as he makes his second stop, back onto mediums for the Mercedes man.
Norris is 14 seconds clear out in first, but is on softs and needs to pit again.
Bearman pits (Lap 43/71)
18:01 , Kieran JacksonThe Haas driver pits from fourth for his second stop - 3.9 seconds - and the Briton comes out in 11th.
Verstappen up to fourth. Next up the road is Russell, 6.1 seconds clear.
Out in front, Norris is still around seven seconds ahead of Antonelli. The McLaren needs to build that lead, given he’s likely to pit again.
Piastri pits (Lap 39/71)
17:56 , Kieran JacksonPiastri pits, serves his 10-second penalty, and drops behind Verstappen in eighth.
The Australian switches to softs.
Norris retakes the lead - and has a 7.5-second lead to Antonelli.
Top-10: Norris, Antonelli, Russell, Bearman, Verstappen, Gasly, Lawson, Piastri, Ocon, Alonso
Lewis Hamilton retires (Lap 38/71)
17:55 , Kieran JacksonA torrid day for the seven-time world champion.
He retires from last place. A double Ferrari DNF in Brazil.
Russell and Verstappen pit (Lap 35/71)
17:52 , Kieran JacksonBoth second and fourth on the road dive in - Russell for his first stop, Verstappen for his second - and the Brit comes out in sixth, with Verstappen down in 12th.
How will this play out?
Top-two are once again Piastri and Norris - the Aussie has a 10-second lead and a 10-second penalty to serve.
Top-10: Piastri, Norris, Antonelli, Hulkenberg, Bearman, Russell, Hadjar, Gasly, Lawson, Verstappen
Norris passes Verstappen (Lap 33/71)
17:47 , Kieran JacksonNorris on fresher and quicker tyres doesn’t take long to overtake Verstappen!
He makes the move around the outside of the main straight - and Verstappen does not fight it.
Norris back up to third.
Norris pits (Lap 31/71)
17:46 , Kieran JacksonNorris dives in, switches to softs, and comes out in fourth - behind Max Verstappen! Surely a two-stopper for Norris?
Oscar Piastri takes the lead, with George Russell in second.
Looks a straight fight between Verstappen and Norris now.
VIDEO: Piastri-Antonelli-Leclerc crash
17:43 , Kieran JacksonA closer look at the race restart 👀
— Formula 1 (@F1) November 9, 2025
Onboard with Leclerc then Piastri 🎥#F1 #BrazilGP pic.twitter.com/nvxMQQ2fY4
Norris leads by six seconds (Lap 28/71)
17:43 , Kieran JacksonWhen will the top-two make their first pit-stop?
Norris is very comfortable, with a six second lead over Piastri who - as a reminder - has a 10-second penalty to serve.
Russell is seven seconds off Piastri, with Verstappen six seconds behind the Mercedes.
5-10: Albon, Antonelli, Hulkenberg, Bearman, Colapinto, Stroll
Kimi Antonelli pits (Lap 22/71)
17:34 , Kieran JacksonThe Italian pits from third, switches his softs for mediums, and is out in 11th.
Let’s see how that works out for him - Russell up to third, Verstappen up to fourth!
Max Verstappen up to fifth! (Lap 21/71)
17:33 , Kieran JacksonA few overtakes, a few pit-stops and suddenly Verstappen is up to P5!
A reminder: he’s already pitted.
Norris’ lead is now 4.5 seconds.
Top-10: Norris, Piastri, Antonelli, Russell, Verstappen, Albon, Hulkenberg, Alonso, Tsunoda, Colapinto
Piastri gets a 10-second penalty (Lap 16/71)
17:29 , Kieran JacksonThat was inevitable, me thinks.
Piastri gets a 10-second penalty for that collision with Antonelli, which resulted in Leclerc’s retirement.
So, how far clear of Antonelli in third can the Aussie get?
Verstappen up to 12th now, with a move down the inside of Nico Hulkenberg.
Lewis Hamilton pits (Lap 15/71)
17:26 , Kieran JacksonThis is turning into a torrid afternoon for Hamilton.
He pits again, unable to drive the car properly, and drops to last.
Verstappen is now up to 13th, with Nico Hulkenberg next up the road.
Norris’ lead to Piastri? 2.6 seconds, with the Aussie two seconds clear of Antonelli.
Top-10: Norris, Piastri, Antonelli, Russell, Hadjar, Bearman, Lawson, Gasly, Albon, Sainz
Piastri and Antonelli incident noted (Lap 12/71)
17:23 , Kieran JacksonStewards will be taking a look at that incident, then.
Meanwhile, Lando Norris has extended the lead to Oscar Piastri to 1.9 seconds.
Verstappen moves up to 15th over a forlorn Hamilton, who has no pace at all.
VSC ends (Lap 9/71)
17:18 , Kieran JacksonPiastri right on the back of Norris as the VSC ends, but the Briton holds the lead for now.
Tough luck for Max Verstappen, by the way. He’d got up to P13 but sustained a puncture, so is now back in last place.
Top-10: Norris, Piastri, Antonelli, Hadjar, Russell, Lawson, Bearman, Gasly, Albon, Sainz
Virtual safety car (Lap 7/71)
17:15 , Kieran JacksonLeclerc is off-track at turn 4, so a VSC is enforced!
Replays show Piastri clipping Antonelli, who is then powerless to avoid Leclerc!
Leclerc OUT, Piastri up to second. I think the Aussie may be in trouble here....
Chaos at restart!
17:13 , Kieran JacksonSafety car ends at end of lap five, but Norris doesn’t get the smoothest restart on the straight!
He just stays ahead, but Piastri collides with Antonelli - and Leclerc is impacted too!
Leclerc has stopped at turn 4, his suspension is broken!
Leclerc is OUT! And Piastri is up to second.
Lewis Hamilton:
17:11 , Kieran Jackson“I’ve lost a lot of downforce, rears aren’t stable.”
I think Hamilton might have floor damage too...
Still a safety car, as we roll around on lap 4.
Safety car (Lap 2/72)
17:08 , Kieran JacksonAh poor Gabriel Bortoleto - it’s head in hands for his family in the Sauber garage.
He’s out of his first home grand prix. He was squeezed into the wall by Lance Stroll. “Yeah Stroll pushed me out, he turned like I didn’t know was there.”
Lewis Hamilton, meanwhile, has front-wing damage and dives into the pits - he’ll be dead-last.
Top-10: Norris, Antonelli, Leclerc, Piastri, Hadjar, Lawson, Russell, Bearman, Gasly, Alonso
Norris keeps lead at the start
17:05 , Kieran JacksonNorris does well at lights out, weeving to the inside to cut-off Antonelli!
They’re all away smoothly on the main straight but Lewis Hamilton has dropped from 13th to 18th!
And Gabriel Bortoleto has slammed into the wall at turn 10! Can he get it out the wall?
Formation lap
17:01 , Kieran JacksonLando Norris leads the 18-car pack around the circuit for the formation lap.
Norris on mediums to start, with Antonelli on softs next to him.
Max Verstappen, meanwhile, is on hard tyres. So he’s going long...
What will happen at the start here?!
A reminder of the starting grid for today's race:
16:58 , Kieran Jackson1. Lando Norris - McLaren
2. Kimi Antonelli - Mercedes
3. Charles Leclerc - Ferrari
4. Oscar Piastri - McLaren
5. Isack Hadjar - Racing Bulls
6. George Russell - Mercedes
7. Liam Lawson - Racing Bulls
8. Ollie Bearman - Haas
9. Pierre Gasly - Alpine
10. Nico Hulkenberg - Sauber
11. Fernando Alonso - Aston Martin
12. Alex Albon - Williams
13. Lewis Hamilton - Ferrari
14. Lance Stroll - Aston Martin
15. Carlos Sainz - Williams
16. Franco Colapinto - Alpine
17. Yuki Tsunoda - Red Bull
18. Gabriel Bortoleto - Sauber
Pit lane. Max Verstappen - Red Bull*
Pit lane Esteban Ocon - Haas*
Verstappen and Ocon start from the pit-lane after taking new engines.
Brazilian Grand Prix:
16:56 , Kieran JacksonSo then, will this be a decisive day in the world championship battle?
Lando Norris starts on pole, looking to extend his nine-point lead, with closest adversary Oscar Piastri in fourth. The Mercedes of Kimi Antonelli and Ferrari of Charles Leclerc is in-between them.
And what can Max Verstappen do from the pit-lane? He’ll need some luck - whether it be safety cars or rain - but with the Dutchman, you can never say never.
Lights out is coming up!
Max Verstappen, who starts in the pit-lane:
16:54 , Kieran JacksonDo you need luck for a podium? “Yeah for sure, for a podium! We’ll see, I hope we have a bit of pace over the back 10 cars and then hopefully we can get back into the points and then with some luck, a safety car, we can get more points.”
“It’s just drizzling a bit.”
Ollie Bearman, who starts in eighth:
16:52 , Kieran Jackson“Bit of mist in the air, a British autumn day, it’ll be an interesting one, hopefully we can have a good race today.
“It’s a tight first lap and an incredibly long race, 72 laps, it’ll be an interesting one for sure.”
Oscar Piastri, who starts P4:
16:48 , Kieran Jackson“Track is tricky, little bit of rain makes a difference, we’ll see what we get. We’ll try and make it entertaining.”
Time for the Brazil national anthem:
16:45 , Kieran JacksonOne of the great national anthems this... performed by Brazilian singer Thiaguinho.
Four-time F1 world champion Sebastian Vettel, on the grid in Brazil:
16:43 , Kieran Jackson“First time I’m on the grid since Abu Dhabi 2022! So many people on the grid!
“There’s things I miss, but looking forward to the race.”
Felipe Massa, on the grid in Brazil:
16:39 , Kieran Jackson“I’m 44 now, time is passing. It’s always good to see Brazil like this, hope we have a nice race to watch.
“This is the love of motorsport, hopefully Gabriel can do a better job and we have a few showers.”
On London court case about 2008 title: “Looking forward to justice, I don’t deserve what happened to me or anybody who is looking at the sport, we did what we were supposed to do with the lawyers and now we wait for the decision.”
Lando Norris, after claiming pole on Saturday:
16:35 , Kieran Jackson"I just feel like I'm doing a good job. I'm driving well," said Norris yesterday.
"Before, earlier in the season, I would just have weaknesses, and I feel like I've, let's say, I've maybe still got some here and there, but I've lessened them."
Gabriel Bortoleto's home race
16:30 , Kieran JacksonThe 21-year-old endured a torrid Saturday, with his massive crash in the sprint meaning he couldn’t take part in qualifying for his first home grand prix.
He’ll be the last starter on the grid in 18th - what can he do from there?
Verstappen and Russell side-by-side!
16:26 , Kieran JacksonI remember when these two were at each other’s necks a year ago!
Who could have possibly predicted this would descend into chaos... 🔀#F1 #BrazilGP pic.twitter.com/lWTlhROBpP
— Formula 1 (@F1) November 9, 2025
Weather forecast
16:20 , Kieran JacksonSome very light drizzle at Interlagos right now, but the radar looks OK.
However, it can change very quickly in Sao Paulo!
PREVIEW: Brazil GP revives haunting 2007 McLaren collapse – but they won’t change approach now
16:15 , Kieran JacksonMore so than any of the three drivers battling for this year’s unpredictable Formula 1 world championship, McLaren team principal Andrea Stella knows all too well the thrill and peril of a three-horse title race, as well as the seismic role Interlagos can play in deciding the eventual champion.
Eighteen years ago, the Italian boffin turned team boss was Kimi Raikkonen’s performance engineer at Ferrari in the 2007 season. Heading into the finale in Brazil, Lewis Hamilton (in his rookie year) had a four-point lead over arch-rival and McLaren teammate Fernando Alonso, with Raikkonen seven points off the pace.
Full piece below:
Brazil GP revives haunting 2007 McLaren collapse – but they won’t change approach now
Isack Hadjar, who starts P5 today:
16:06 , Kieran Jackson“I’m always going to keep it clean, no matter the state of the championship, it would be stupid to do something dumb to Oscar because I’m clearly not racing him yet.
On Verstappen’s prospects from pit-lane, can he come through pack: “If it’s dry, I don’t think so.”
Top-10 - F1 driver standings:
16:00 , Kieran Jackson1. Lando Norris (McLaren) – 365 points
2. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 356 points
3. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 326 points
4. George Russell (Mercedes) – 264 points
5. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 214 points
6. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – 148 points
7. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – 104 points
8. Alex Albon (Williams) – 73 points
9. Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber) - 41 points
10. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) – 40 points
Sky Sports F1 forced into late presenter change for Brazilian Grand Prix
15:53 , Kieran JacksonCraig Slater will present Sky Sports’s coverage of the Brazilian Grand Prix after Natalie Pinkham was forced to pull out of fronting this weekend’s action.
Pinkham was scheduled to present this weekend’s race in Sao Paulo but was unable to travel as she continues her recovery from neck surgery.
The 48-year-old most recently led the coverage at Monza in September but revealed on Thursday that she is not ready to return to work yet.
More below:
Sky Sports F1 forced into late presenter change for Brazilian Grand Prix
Meet the British racing driver thriving – and winning – at Ferrari
15:45 , Kieran JacksonInterview by Kieran Jackson
Whilst a Formula One season of undeniable disappointment for Ferrari draws to a chastening close, fans of the Italian marque’s motorsport conquests should perhaps cast their eye beyond the Brazilian Grand Prix paddock for their winning fix this weekend.
Because some 7,000 miles east of Sao Paulo in Bahrain, Ferrari’s hypercar outfit is on the verge of claiming a maiden triumph in the World Endurance Championship (WEC). With just one round remaining and a 13-point lead, the three-pronged team can claim a first hypercar drivers’ title victory. Better still, as Lewis Hamilton toils in search of a first podium in scarlet red, it is in fact a British driver heading up their quest for endurance glory.
Full interview below:
Meet the British racing driver thriving – and winning – at Ferrari
A fun drivers parade for the grid in Brazil!
15:37 , Kieran JacksonMuch like the Lego cars in Miami, they’ll have loved this!
Startint grid for Brazil GP:
15:30 , Kieran Jackson1. Lando Norris - McLaren
2. Kimi Antonelli - Mercedes
3. Charles Leclerc - Ferrari
4. Oscar Piastri - McLaren
5. Isack Hadjar - Racing Bulls
6. George Russell - Mercedes
7. Liam Lawson - Racing Bulls
8. Ollie Bearman - Haas
9. Pierre Gasly - Alpine
10. Nico Hulkenberg - Sauber
11. Fernando Alonso - Aston Martin
12. Alex Albon - Williams
13. Lewis Hamilton - Ferrari
14. Lance Stroll - Aston Martin
15. Carlos Sainz - Williams
16. Franco Colapinto - Alpine
17. Yuki Tsunoda - Red Bull
18. Gabriel Bortoleto - Sauber
Pit lane. Max Verstappen - Red Bull*
Pit lane Esteban Ocon - Haas*
Verstappen and Ocon start from the pit-lane after taking new engines.
Oscar Piastri, who qualified fourth on the grid:
15:23 , Kieran Jackson“I couldn’t go any faster, very different conditions from yesterday, everything felt much trickier.
“Bit disappointing with the result but the car’s looked quick over a longer run, hopefully I can take advantage tomorrow.
On Sunday’s race: “If I can make progress forwards and put some pressure on [Norris], I will.”
F1 constructor standings ahead of race:
15:12 , Kieran Jackson1. McLaren - 721 points (champions)
2. Mercedes - 370 points
3. Ferrari - 364 points
4. Red Bull - 351 points
5. Williams - 111 points
6. Racing Bulls - 72 points
7. Aston Martin - 72 points
8. Haas - 62 points
9. Sauber - 60 points
10. Alpine - 21 points
Odds: Brazilian GP winner
14:59 , Kieran JacksonMax Verstappen is the fifth-favourite - and he’s starting in the pit-lane!
- Lando Norris - 2/7
- Oscar Piastri - 6/1
- Kimi Antonelli - 7/1
- Charles Leclerc - 20/1
- Max Verstappen - 22/1
- George Russell - 25/1
- Lewis Hamilton - 125/1
- Isack Hadjar - 125/1
- Fernando Alonso - 175/1
- Oliver Bearman - 225/1
- Liam Lawson - 275/1
NEW: Verstappen starts from pit-lane
14:45 , Kieran JacksonThe Red Bull driver, who only qualified 16th, will start from the pit-lane after taking a new engine.
His mechanics have also fitted a different floor to the car in a last roll of the dice for the Dutchman to rise up the leaderboard this afternoon.
Esteban Ocon, who qualified 17th, will also start from the pit-lane.
Gabriel Bortoleto, after his crash:
14:31 , Kieran Jackson"I was lucky and blessed to get away unharmed from my incident today; it was a huge crash, but I’m here standing on my own feet, and that shows not only how well these cars are built nowadays, but also the progress we have made through the years in terms of safety.
“I would like to thank our mechanics, who did everything they could to get me back on track for Qualifying. They worked super hard to rebuild my car from zero, and we almost made it in time. Obviously, I can't avoid being a bit disappointed not to have made it to quali at my first home Grand Prix – that’s a shame, because I really feel like our car was competitive enough to build something this weekend, as shown by Nico making it into Q3.
“But there’s still a race to do tomorrow. I just want to sit in the car, drive, give my best, and enjoy my time out there."
Lando Norris on fighting for an F1 world championship
14:00 , Kieran Jackson“When you get reminded about it, because my friends or people you bump into talk about it, it is a cool thought to think I am fighting for an F1 world championship,” said Norris, who for his part fell 34 points adrift of Piastri when his engine expired in the Netherlands.
“Being in a position to do that is part of my dream. And it still feels incredible, but in terms of achieving the actual dream, it doesn’t feel any different.
“Nothing is completed, nothing is done, there are still more than 100 points available so it doesn’t mean anything. I need to win this weekend, next weekend and the all the final races and that’s my goal.
“But when I have a weekend like last weekend, I can prove to myself that I can dominate, and that is a nice thought because it is nice to prove to myself what I am capable of and what I can achieve. It was a small achievement of a bigger puzzle.
“There is a much bigger picture in mind. You smile for a day and then move on.”
Heineken issues first-ever F1 ‘season ticket’ to British fan who’s attended every race on £20k budget
13:30 , Kieran JacksonFormula One and Heineken have issued a first-ever ‘season ticket’ to a British fan who’s committed to attending all 24 races this season on a £20,000 budget.
F1 super fan Brandon Burgess lives in London and has so far attended all 20 races in the 2025 season, using just 28 days of annual leave while maintaining a full-time job at a tech company.
Burgess’s commitment has not gone unnoticed and F1 partner Heineken has issued a season ticket – giving a fan and their guest access to all 24 grands prix in 2026 with travel and accommodation covered – to the 29-year-old. Another season ticket will be up for grabs next year.
Full story below:
F1 issues first-ever ‘season ticket’ to fan who’s attended every race on £20k budget
Starting grid in Brazil:
13:00 , Kieran Jackson1. Lando Norris - McLaren
2. Kimi Antonelli - Mercedes
3. Charles Leclerc - Ferrari
4. Oscar Piastri - McLaren
5. Isack Hadjar - Racing Bulls
6. George Russell - Mercedes
7. Liam Lawson - Racing Bulls
8. Ollie Bearman - Haas
9. Pierre Gasly - Alpine
10. Nico Hulkenberg - Sauber
11. Fernando Alonso - Aston Martin
12. Alex Albon - Williams
13. Lewis Hamilton - Ferrari
14. Lance Stroll - Aston Martin
15. Carlos Sainz - Williams
16. Max Verstappen - Red Bull
17. Esteban Ocon - Haas
18. Franco Colapinto - Alpine
19. Yuki Tsunoda - Red Bull
20. Gabriel Bortoleto - Sauber
Alpine make call on 2026 driver pairing
07:00 , Kieran JacksonAlpine have opted to stick with Franco Colapinto for the 2026 F1 season despite the Argentine failing to register a point in 14 races this year.
The 22-year-old, signed by Alpine this year after an impressive debut stint at Williams in 2024, has beaten Estonian reserve driver Paul Aron to the race to be Pierre Gasly’s teammate at the Enstone-based team next year.
It is believed Jack Doohan, the Australian rookie dropped after just six races this year, was not in contention.
De facto Alpine boss Flavio Briatore has made no secret of his desire to persevere with Colapinto who, despite his underwhelming season and his positioning at the bottom of the world championship, comes with significant financial backing.
Full story below:
Alpine make call on 2026 driver pairing after Franco Colapinto’s point-less streak
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella:
Saturday 8 November 2025 23:00 , Kieran Jackson"A positive day overall, even if we do have one regret. Lando continued his excellent weekend, first winning a very complicated Sprint given the track conditions and then taking Pole position in a Qualifying session where the wind made conditions tricky. The regret is linked to Oscar missing points in the Sprint, after demonstrating strong pace, but he has already put that behind him in Qualifying and will be pushing hard in the race.
"Tomorrow, it will be important to execute everything perfectly: strategy, pit stops, tyre management and all the changes in weather conditions that may occur.
“Today, we saw once again that there is a very tight competition and let’s not forget that on this track everything can happen: last year’s race winner started from 17th position on the grid. So, we will have to pay attention to every detail and stay focused at all times to exploit the potential we have at our disposal."
Lewis Hamilton, who could only qualify 13th:
Saturday 8 November 2025 22:00 , Kieran JacksonOn car: “It’s just the way we had it today.”
On race - can you improve?: “Not from where I am.”
Charles Leclerc, who qualified third:
Saturday 8 November 2025 21:00 , Kieran Jackson"Very good laps in Q2 and Q3 but everything is so close that it goes from being a disaster of a weekend to a really good weekend in a matter of a few hundredths.
"Happy I could put everything together in Q2 and Q3 and that was crucial for us because it was very on the limit.
"And P3, I'm satisfied with that because it's been a difficult weekend for us.
Antonelli 'annoyed' to be behind Norris again in P2
Saturday 8 November 2025 20:15 , Kieran Jackson"I am a bit annoyed that I am again behind him [Norris]. We were so close this morning. It was a very tricky session with the wind, very tricky to put a lap together, but still managed to put a decent lap in the last run and happy with that.
“Starting P2 tomorrow, they are very fast, and it is important to get a good start and set a good pace."
Top-10 in Brazil GP qualifying
Saturday 8 November 2025 19:15 , Kieran Jackson1. Lando Norris - McLaren
2. Kimi Antonelli - Mercedes
3. Charles Leclerc - Ferrari
4. Oscar Piastri - McLaren
5. Isack Hadjar - Racing Bulls
6. George Russell - Mercedes
7. Liam Lawson - Racing Bulls
8. Ollie Bearman - Haas
9. Pierre Gasly - Alpine
10. Nico Hulkenberg - Sauber
What time is the Brazil GP?
Saturday 8 November 2025 19:14 , Kieran JacksonThe race at Interlagos on Sunday starts at 5pm (GMT).
Lando Norris on pole!
Saturday 8 November 2025 19:07 , Kieran JacksonNorris does it! Terrific lap when he needed it - he takes it by 0.174 seconds!
Kimi Antonelli nicks in late on to take second place, ahead of Leclerc and Piastri.
Bearman could not go quicker and has to settle for eighth.
4-10: Piastri, Hadjar, Russell, Lawson, Bearman, Gasly, Hulkenberg
Another brilliant grid for Norris!
Final fight for pole
Saturday 8 November 2025 19:01 , Kieran JacksonBig moments this then!
At a minimum, Norris needs to work his way up the order. And what about Ollie Bearman?!
3:00 to go in Q3!
Oscar Piastri on provisional pole
Saturday 8 November 2025 18:58 , Kieran JacksonWhat a boost this could be for the Australian - he’s fastest currently!
Leclerc is second, with Ollie Bearman in a terrific third!
Norris, meanwhile, only the 10th-fastest! He made a mistake at turn 1! Work to do then...
4-10: Antonelli, Russell, Gasly, Lawson, Hadjar, Hulkenberg, Norris
They’ll all go round again though....
Q3 underway!
Saturday 8 November 2025 18:55 , Kieran JacksonNow then, could we have a few shocks in the upper echelons of the top-10 here?!
10 drivers involved: Norris, Piastri, Russell, Antonelli, Leclerc, Bearman, Hulkenberg, Lawson, Hadjar, Gasly
Max Verstappen, after his P16 in qualifying:
Saturday 8 November 2025 18:51 , Kieran Jackson“It was just bad, I couldn’t push at all, the car was all over the place, sliding a lot. Under-driving a lot, just to not have a moment - that doesn’t work around here.
“We first have to analyse what is going on, I don’t understand how it can be this bad.”
Grid spots 11-20:
Saturday 8 November 2025 18:48 , Kieran JacksonSome shock names in here!
11. Fernando Alonso - Aston Martin
12. Alex Albon - Williams
13. Lewis Hamilton - Ferrari
14. Lance Stroll - Aston Martin
15. Carlos Sainz - Williams
16. Max Verstappen - Red Bull
17. Esteban Ocon - Haas
18. Franco Colapinto - Alpine
19. Yuki Tsunoda - Red Bull
20. Gabriel Bortoleto - Sauber
Lewis Hamilton also out!
Saturday 8 November 2025 18:46 , Kieran JacksonFirst Verstappen, now Hamilton out early in qualifying!
Only P13 for the Ferrari driver! Well short of the top-10.
Bottom-five (11-15) and out in Q2: Alonso, Albon, Hamilton, Stroll, Sainz
Top-3: Norris, Bearman, Antonelli
Leclerc escapes
Saturday 8 November 2025 18:44 , Kieran JacksonThird-fastest for Leclerc. Much better for the Monegasque!
Final laps being pumped in now...
Charles Leclerc now in trouble
Saturday 8 November 2025 18:40 , Kieran JacksonWhat is happening here?!
A lot of frontrunners are struggling here, with Leclerc currently in P13 after the first set of runs!
Current bottom-five (11-15): Gasly, Stroll, Leclerc, Hulkenberg, Sainz
Lewis Hamilton on the button in 10th, too!
5:00 to go in Q2...
Red Bull boss Laurent Mekies on Verstappen's exit:
Saturday 8 November 2025 18:35 , Kieran Jackson“We have been unhappy with the car since we got here,” said Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies.
“It’s fair to say we took some more risk before qualifying to put the car in a better place but it obviously took the car in the other direction.
“It’s painful but something we can learn from.”
Q2 underway!
Saturday 8 November 2025 18:33 , Kieran JacksonWell, after that shock, it’s time for Q2...
What could happen now?!
Max Verstappen is out!
Saturday 8 November 2025 18:25 , Kieran JacksonOh wow - unbelievable! Verstappen stays in P16!
He just had no pace at all. His Red Bull teammate Yuki Tsunoda is also out!
Bottom-five (16-20) and out in Q1: Verstappen, Ocon, Colapinto, Tsunoda, Bortoleto
Verstappen: “I have no grip, zero!”
Max Verstappen on team radio:
Saturday 8 November 2025 18:19 , Kieran Jackson“Oh my god mate, the car and the ride is a tiny bit better... but the slide into turn 1.”
He’ll have another chance though... 2 minutes left in Q1!
Max Verstappen in danger-zone
Saturday 8 November 2025 18:18 , Kieran JacksonGosh.
Verstappen sets his second flying lap, initally in 16th, and stays in 16th.
Blimey. Work to do for Red Bull with 4 minutes to go.
Bottom-five (16-20): Verstappen, Colapinto, Ocon, Tsunoda, Bortoleto
Hamilton fastest early on
Saturday 8 November 2025 18:14 , Kieran JacksonThe Ferrari driver up top early on, with plenty of drivers yet to set laps.
As for Bortoleto? It’s now looking extremely unlikely. Looks set to be a back-of-the-grid start for the home hero. Real shame.
10:00 to go in Q1...
Q1 underway!
Saturday 8 November 2025 18:09 , Kieran JacksonBortoleto’s car not quite ready as we get going with qualifying - the usual 18 minutes where we’ll lose the slowest five drivers from the rest of the session.
UPDATE: Qualifying to start in five minutes
Saturday 8 November 2025 18:00 , Kieran JacksonRepairs done, Q1 to start in five minutes.
Meanwhile, work is still hectic down at Sauber as they - miraculously - look to get Gabriel Bortoleto’s Sauber car out there.
It looks like they may well have done the job!
Qualifying delayed
Saturday 8 November 2025 17:56 , Kieran JacksonDue to repair work at turn 10-11, qualifying has been DELAYED.
More to follow...
Lando Norris after his sprint win:
Saturday 8 November 2025 17:42 , Kieran Jackson“It was tough. It makes the win more rewarding when you have a race like this, Kimi did not make my life easy. You have to push, but it was sketchy.
“I expected the softs to be better but the Mercedes were quick, put me under pressure all week. We’ve got some homework to do before quali.
On qualifying: “Today is different to yesterday, they’ll put us under pressure and it’s just small gaps.”
Gabriel Bortoleto taken to F1 medical centre after gigantic crash at Brazil GP
Saturday 8 November 2025 17:35 , Kieran JacksonGabriel Bortoleto was taken to the FIA medical centre but is believed to be fine after a gigantic crash in the sprint race in Brazil.
The rookie driver, born in Sao Paulo, attempted an overtake on Alex Albon towards the end of the 24-lap dash.
Yet Bortoleto, going inside on the main straight, immediately spun and smashed into the inside wall before careening into the outside wall at turn one.
With his Sauber car destroyed, mercifully, the 21-year-old said he was “OK” over team radio but as a precaution, he was taken for a medical check-up.
Full story below:
Gabriel Bortoleto taken to F1 medical centre after gigantic crash at Brazil GP
Kimi Antonelli after finishing second:
Saturday 8 November 2025 16:55 , Kieran Jackson“It was a very fun race, very difficult conditions, but we tried to keep the pressure on Lando. It was a fun race.
“The confidence is high but the field is so tight [ahead of qualifying]. We'll see what we can do if we can achieve the same result or even better.”
SPRINT RACE REPORT: Lando Norris cashes in on Oscar Piastri’s crash to extend F1 title lead
Saturday 8 November 2025 16:45 , Kieran JacksonLando Norris’ world championship hopes were handed a major boost after he won Saturday’s sprint race in Sao Paulo and Oscar Piastri crashed out.
Norris started from pole position and navigated his way through the chaos to lead every lap and take the chequered flag just eighth tenths clear of Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli.
George Russell finished third, one place ahead of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. Norris’ win allows him to extend his title lead over Piastri from one point to nine. Verstappen is now 40 points adrift of Norris with 108 points on the table.
Lando Norris cashes in on Oscar Piastri’s crash to extend F1 title lead
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
