Norris Edges Out Piastri in Brazilian Practice Session

Lando Norris edged out fellow driver and title rival Oscar Piastri for the fastest time in the final moments of the practice session at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

Norris, who took the title advantage from Piastri by one point after winning in Mexico City a fortnight back, outpaced the Australian by a tiny margin of 0.023secs.

Until that point, Oscar Piastri had been the fastest McLaren driver during the running before sprint qualifying due at 18:30 GMT.

The Red Bull star, the sole remaining contender in the championship fight, trailing 36 points behind Norris, was classified in 17th position as his team opted for a different programme.

Verstappen's team-mate Yuki Tsunoda was the sole competitor to go off, though minor, when he lost control at corner four soon after starting.

Tsunoda spun out over the track edges before sliding over the run-off area, and was blessed to escape with just a light touch of the fence.

Ferrari's the seven-time champion also lost it, at the conclusion of the practice, spinning around through the fast downhill corner leading to the last turn on to the main straight.

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

The McLaren drivers were significantly quicker of the remaining drivers, with Nico Hulkenberg's car P3, 0.619 seconds off Piastri's best.

Aston Martin's the Spanish driver was fourth fastest, with Sauber's Bortoleto in front of the Mercedes of Russell and the Alpine of Gasly and the Williams of Sainz.