Winners and Losers from F1's Thrilling Brazil Grand Prix

The Interlagos circuit once again delivered an action-packed race, even in dry conditions, creating a mix of triumphs and troubles for teams and drivers. While some heavy-hitters faced unexpected challenges, opening doors for midfield contenders, Max Verstappen demonstrated another masterclass, surging from the pitlane to the podium. This race significantly impacted the drivers' and constructors' championships, setting the stage for an intense conclusion to the season.

Why it matters:

The Brazilian Grand Prix was a pivotal moment in the F1 season, showcasing the unpredictable nature of racing and the crucial role of strategic decisions and driver performance. For McLaren's Lando Norris, it solidified his championship bid, while for Oscar Piastri and Ferrari, it highlighted ongoing struggles. Max Verstappen's stunning comeback further underscored his and Red Bull's formidable capabilities, reminding rivals of the high bar for victory.

The details:

• Lando Norris's Dominance: Norris secured back-to-back poles and victories, marking a significant turnaround from his earlier season struggles. He's now in a strong position for the championship, with a 23-point swing in a single weekend. McLaren appears to have overcome Red Bull's recent pace advantage.
• Oscar Piastri's Struggles: Piastri had a challenging six weeks, culminating in a disastrous Brazil GP. Despite showing improved pace compared to Austin and Mexico, he struggled to match Norris. A sprint crash and a 10-second penalty for a collision with Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Charles Leclerc highlighted the risks he's taking from further back on the grid. He now faces an uphill battle to close the 8-point average gap to Norris.
• Max Verstappen's Masterclass: Starting from the pitlane due to a setup change and suffering an early puncture, Verstappen delivered a scintillating performance. Utilizing a three-stop strategy, he carved through the field, proving Red Bull's underlying pace despite a poor qualifying. His fresh power unit also contributed to this remarkable drive.
• Ferrari's Brazilian Nightmare: Ferrari endured a dismal weekend, dropping from second to fourth in the constructors' title. Charles Leclerc was unfortunately punted out early, while Lewis Hamilton's race was compromised by floor damage from a collision with Carlos Sainz and later a front wing collapse after contact with Franco Colapinto. Hamilton also received a five-second penalty for the incident with Colapinto.
• Andrea Kimi Antonelli's Ascent: Since Baku, Antonelli has been a standout, outscoring all but Norris and Verstappen. His second career podium and best F1 result, achieved by besting his teammate Russell and withstanding pressure from Verstappen, validate Mercedes' strategy to fast-track him for 2026.
• Gabriel Bortoleto's Tough Home Race: The Brazilian rookie had a weekend to forget, with a violent sprint crash and another shunt in the main race after contact with Lance Stroll, completing a disaster at Interlagos. This adds to his up-and-down rookie season.
• Oliver Bearman's Momentum: Bearman continued his impressive form, adding eight points to his tally with Haas's Austin upgrades. His Turn 1 overtake on Nico Hulkenberg was a highlight, solidifying his position as a key contender in the midfield battle and challenging Esteban Ocon's performance within the team.
• Pierre Gasly's Alpine Resurgence: Gasly brought a much-needed spark to Alpine's difficult season, earning valuable points in both the sprint and the main race. His combative drive showcased his grit, signaling his determination despite the team's overall struggles.

What's next:

The F1 season heads into its final crucial races with the championship battles heating up. Lando Norris's momentum will be severely tested as he aims to consolidate his lead. Oscar Piastri will need a strong resurgence to regain his earlier season form. Ferrari faces immense pressure to regroup and salvage its constructors' position, while Max Verstappen will continue to be the benchmark. The performance of rookies like Antonelli and Bearman will also be closely watched as they continue to make their mark on the grid, hinting at the future talent in Formula 1.