Norris Edges Out Piastri in Brazilian Practice

McLaren drivers in action

The British driver has beaten his teammate at all of the previous five grands prix.

Lando Norris narrowly beat team-mate and championship contender Oscar Piastri for the fastest time in the closing stages of the practice session at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

The British racer, who took the points lead from Piastri by a single point after his victory in Mexico City a fortnight back, outpaced the Australian by 0.023 seconds.

Until that point, Oscar Piastri had been the quickest of the McLaren pair during the running before sprint qualifying due at the evening session.

Max Verstappen, the other racer in realistic title contention, trailing 36 points behind Norris, finished in 17th place as his Red Bull team followed a unique setup.

His teammate the Japanese driver was the only driver to go off, albeit lightly, when he lost control at the fourth corner soon after starting.

Tsunoda spun out over the track edges before spinning across the run-off area, and was lucky to escape with just a minor contact of the barrier.

The Ferrari of Lewis Hamilton also lost it, at the conclusion of the session, spinning around through the fast downhill Mergulho turn before the last turn on to the main straight.

The seven-time champion wrapped up in 19th place, just behind teammate the Monegasque driver.

The McLaren drivers were well clear of the remaining drivers, with Nico Hulkenberg's Sauber P3, 0.619secs off Piastri's pace.

Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso was fourth fastest, with Sauber's Bortoleto in front of Mercedes' Russell and Alpine's Gasly and Williams' Carlos Sainz.

Lauren Cox
Lauren Cox

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