McLaren’s Norris wins the sprint race during the Brazilian Grand Prix to close the gap with leader Verstappen

SAO PAULO (AP) – McLaren driver Lando Norris won the Formula 1 sprint race at the Brazilian Grand Prix on Saturday to close his gap to championship leader Max Verstappen.

But Norris had to thank teammate Oscar Piastri for the victory over Interlagos.

Red Bull’s Verstappen finished third, although he is under investigation for a possible virtual safety car breach.

The gap between Norris and Verstappen, with four Grands Prix and a final sprint race until the end of the season, is now 45 points.

Norris started second on the grid and late in the 24 laps of the sprint race, Piastri made way for him.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who also has a strong chance of winning the title, finished fourth, just ahead of teammate Carlos Sainz Jr.

Mercedes’ George Russell, Alpine’s Pierre Gasly and Red Bull’s Sergio Perez were next best and within points positions.

Norris appeared angry on team radio about leader Piastri’s pace for most of the sprint race.

“I’m not sure what I’m doing here, buddy,” Norris said. “I thought we talked about this.”

Later, Norris said McLaren had done a good job.

“I’m not proud of it, but we worked well together as a team, so I thank Oscar,” he said. “Oscar deserved (a win), but we did what we had to do.”

Initially, Piastri did not elaborate on McLaren’s decision. “A great day for the team and a lot of points. We have learned a lot for tomorrow’s race,” he said.

Speaking to reporters later, Piastri described the race as “a bit tricky.”

“(Giving priority to Norris) is not as much fun as winning,” said the Australian driver. “But we’ve been talking about this for months.”

Three-time champion Verstappen will find it difficult to beat the McLarens in Sunday’s race. He has been given a five-place grid penalty after changing his engine for the sixth time in the season; the maximum allowed is four.

Later, qualifying for Sunday’s race is expected to take place under some risk of rain.

The track could be wet for a tribute to legendary three-time champion Ayrton Senna, whose title-winning McLaren will be driven by one of his biggest fans, Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton.

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