F1 2025, Lando Norris wins Sao Paulo GP: Decoding stats
What's the story
Lando Norris clinched the 2025 Sao Paulo Grand Prix in a thrilling showdown, taking a major step toward his first Formula 1 title. The McLaren driver started from pole position and held off fierce competition to secure his second consecutive win of the season. His teammate Oscar Piastri finished fifth after an over-ambitious attempt to pass Kimi Antonelli at a race restart.
Race dynamics
Verstappen falls behind; Piastri handed 10-second time penalty
Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who started from the pit lane, made a stunning comeback but was denied second place by Antonelli in a thrilling finale. Despite his superb performance, Verstappen fell 49 points behind Norris, leaving his hopes of winning a fifth consecutive drivers' title all but over. Meanwhile, Piastri was handed a 10-second time penalty for causing a collision with Kimi Antonelli, which led to Charles Leclerc's Scuseria Ferrari being involved in the incident after an early Safety Car.
Post-race comments
Norris disappointed with McLaren's pace
After his victory, Norris said, "It's a great win, but seeing how quick Max was, it's disappointing we were not quicker." He added that he would discuss with the team why they weren't fast enough. Despite the challenges ahead in the championship race, Norris remains focused on himself and is determined to keep pushing toward his first title.
Team performances
A forgettable day for Ferrari; Bearman continues to impress
It was a disastrous day for Scuderia Ferrari as Leclerc retired after losing a wheel in the collision caused by Piastri. Lewis Hamilton also failed to finish due to damage from an early collision with Carlos Sainz. On the other hand, British rookie Oliver Bearman continued his impressive form with a sixth-place finish for Haas, backing up his career-best fourth-placed finish last time out in Mexico.
Drivers
A look at the Driver Standings
Norris leads the 2025 Driver Standings with 390 points from 21 races. He is followed by Piastri, who has 366 points. Red Bull Racing's Verstappen owns 341 points and is behind the McLaren duo. Mercedes' George Russell is next with 276 points on board. Scuderia Ferrari's Leclerc is placed fifth (214 points) with Hamilton on 6th (148 points).
Information
A look at the Team Standings
Champions McLaren top the Team Standings with 756 points after 21 races. Mercedes have 398 points and are 32 points above Red Bull Racing. Ferrari are 4 points behind Red Bull (362).
Top three
Key numbers of the top three drivers
Norris won his 7th race of the season and this was also his 17th podium finish from 21 races. Overall, this was his 43rd podium finish and 11th race win. Antonelli picked up his 2nd podium finish this season in what is his debut year as a F1 driver. Verstappen clinched his 12th podium finish of the year. Overall, this was his 124th career podium finish in F1.