Image Source: Formula 1
F1 delivered another unforgettable race in Brazil on Sunday as Lando Norris mastered a chaotic wet-dry-wet Sao Paulo Grand Prix to beat Max Verstappen and claim his third victory of the 2026 season.
The McLaren driver started from pole and survived changing track conditions, multiple strategy swings and a late rain shower to win the 71-lap race at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace. Norris crossed the finish line 14.602 seconds ahead of Verstappen, while Isack Hadjar completed the podium for Red Bull.
F1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix Ends in Dramatic Style
Norris did not have a perfect launch from pole, allowing Kimi Antonelli to take the lead at the start. Liam Lawson also moved ahead briefly, but tyre wear quickly reshaped the order as the damp circuit began to dry.
The opening phase was especially challenging for drivers using intermediate tyres. As the racing line improved, teams began switching to slicks, creating a frantic sequence of pit stops. Norris, Verstappen, George Russell and several others were forced to balance outright speed with the risk of further rain.
Antonelli looked set for a strong result after taking the lead early, but the Mercedes driver spun at Turn 1 on Lap 20. He later ran wide again before eventually recovering to fifth. Russell also lost valuable time after spinning at pit-lane exit, although both Mercedes drivers did enough to secure the team’s championship triumph.
Verstappen’s Incredible Recovery to Second
Verstappen produced one of the standout drives of the race. Starting from P21, the four-time World Champion made rapid progress through the field during the opening laps. He reached the top 10 by Lap 5 and continued climbing as Red Bull’s strategy came into play.
Verstappen eventually moved ahead of Hadjar for second and held the position through the closing stages. His recovery was made even more impressive by the difficult conditions and the circuit’s narrow racing line, which made overtaking and tyre management particularly demanding.
Hadjar secured third to give Red Bull a double podium. The result marked another major moment in the Frenchman’s developing career, while Red Bull added valuable points during a race that appeared unpredictable from the opening lap.
Mercedes Clinch the 2026 Constructors’ Championship
Although Mercedes missed out on victory, Russell’s fourth-place finish and Antonelli’s fifth were enough to deliver the team the 2026 Constructors’ Championship. The title was confirmed in front of a passionate Brazilian crowd after a race filled with spins, changing weather and strategic pressure.
Antonelli’s weekend had already included a dramatic moment before the start when he spun during his reconnaissance lap. Despite that mistake, he recovered to lead the race early and helped Mercedes secure the result they needed.
- Lando Norris won for McLaren.
- Max Verstappen finished second after starting P21.
- Isack Hadjar completed the podium in third.
- George Russell and Kimi Antonelli finished fourth and fifth.
- Mercedes secured the 2026 Constructors’ Championship.
Hamilton Scores Points on His 400th Start
Lewis Hamilton also enjoyed a memorable afternoon, finishing ninth for Ferrari on his 400th Formula 1 start. The seven-time World Champion began from P20 and made an extraordinary first-lap charge into the points-paying positions.
Hamilton’s race was not without trouble. He was investigated after passing Ollie Bearman off track early on and later spun while climbing away from Turn 12 during the late rain. Nevertheless, he recovered to score points on a significant milestone weekend.
Charles Leclerc finished seventh after passing Lawson on the penultimate lap, while Nico Hulkenberg completed the top 10 for Audi. Oscar Piastri finished sixth for McLaren, adding to the team’s strong points haul.
What Norris Said After His F1 Victory
Norris described the race as extremely demanding and praised his ability to remain calm under pressure.
“It was a very tough race, very, very tough,” Norris said. “The main thing today was I just kept it cool and I didn’t make any mistakes. And I had the pace when I needed to. So it was good. Nice to be back on the top step, and what a place to do it as well.”
The victory strengthens Norris’s momentum as the 2026 season moves toward its final rounds. McLaren will also take confidence from Piastri’s sixth-place finish after both drivers managed a complicated race with several contrasting tyre strategies.
Next Race: Las Vegas Grand Prix
The F1 paddock now heads to the United States for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, scheduled for November 20–22. The night race on the Las Vegas Strip will provide another test of tyre management, qualifying performance and late-season consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2026 Sao Paulo Grand Prix?
Lando Norris won the 2026 Sao Paulo Grand Prix for McLaren, beating Max Verstappen by 14.602 seconds.
Where did Max Verstappen start in Brazil?
Max Verstappen started from P21 but fought through the field to finish second.
Did Mercedes win the 2026 Constructors’ Championship?
Yes. Mercedes secured the 2026 Constructors’ Championship after George Russell finished fourth and Kimi Antonelli finished fifth.
What was Lewis Hamilton’s result?
Lewis Hamilton finished ninth for Ferrari on his 400th Formula 1 start.
When is the next F1 race?
The next race is the Las Vegas Grand Prix, taking place from November 20 to November 22, 2026.
