The 2025 Brazilian Grand Prix at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace in São Paulo, held on November 9, 2025, was another turning point in this thrilling Formula 1 season. Lando Norris took a dominating victory for McLaren to extend his championship lead, while Oscar Piastri, Ferrari, and others faced a tough weekend.
With only a few races left, Brazil may well be remembered as the weekend that decided the direction of the championship battle.
Winners
Lando Norris – McLaren
Lando Norris was in complete control from start to finish at Interlagos. He secured pole position for both the sprint and the main race, won the sprint, and then converted pole into victory on Sunday with a faultless drive.
His pace, tyre management, and racecraft were all world-class as he led every lap without facing a real challenge. The win gave Norris a 24-point lead over his teammate Oscar Piastri in the Drivers’ Championship, his biggest gap of the season so far.
Verdict: A perfect weekend for Norris. Calm, confident, and unstoppable, this could be the moment that defines his first world title run.
Kimi Antonelli – Mercedes
Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli delivered the best performance of his young career, finishing second behind Norris. Starting near the front, he showed impressive maturity by managing his tyres and keeping faster cars behind him in the closing stages.
This podium was not only a personal milestone but also a sign that Mercedes’ long-term future looks bright with Antonelli at the wheel.
Verdict: A breakout result for Antonelli,the best rookie drive of the season.
Max Verstappen – Red Bull Racing
Starting from the pit lane after a power unit change, Max Verstappen charged through the field to finish third. His overtakes were calculated and precise, showing once again why he remains one of the best racers on the grid.
Even though Red Bull still lacks the raw pace of McLaren, Verstappen’s recovery drive kept him mathematically in the championship fight.
Verdict: A strong comeback. Verstappen’s podium keeps him alive in the title race and proves he never gives up.
Also read: Formula 1: Top 10 Drivers with Most Wins in F1 History ft. Hamilton, Verstappen and Fernando
Losers
Oscar Piastri – McLaren
It was a nightmare weekend for Oscar Piastri. He crashed out of the sprint race after losing control on a damp track and then collided with Kimi Antonelli and Charles Leclerc during the main race, earning a 10-second penalty.
Though he recovered to finish fifth, the damage was done, both to his race and his championship hopes. Norris’s win means Piastri now trails his teammate by 24 points with only a few races left.
Verdict: A weekend to forget. Piastri’s errors could cost him the world title.
Ferrari (Team)
Ferrari endured a disastrous weekend at Interlagos. Charles Leclerc retired after contact early in the race, and Lewis Hamilton suffered damage before retiring as well. The team left Brazil with zero points and growing frustration.
Ferrari’s struggles with race pace and reliability continued, undoing the progress they had shown earlier in the season.
Verdict: A complete collapse. Ferrari’s second place at Constructor title hopes are slipping away fast.
Lewis Hamilton – Ferrari
Hamilton’s race ended in heartbreak. After contact on the opening lap, he picked up a penalty and later retired due to damage. The seven-time champion described his season as “a nightmare” following another non-finish.
Verdict: Another painful race for Hamilton, one that sums up a difficult season with Ferrari.
Why Brazil Was a Turning Point
Interlagos has always produced chaos, and the 2025 edition was no exception. Norris’s dominant double win (sprint and main race) gave him the biggest championship lead of the year, while Piastri’s mistakes proved costly.
Verstappen’s podium keeps his title hopes still alive, but McLaren now clearly looks in control of both the championships. Now, only a few races are left on the calendar, Brazil might be remembered as the race where Norris took charge, and the others began to run out of time.
Updated Drivers’ Championship Standings (After 2025 Brazilian GP)
| Rank | Driver & Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lando Norris (McLaren) | 390 |
| 2 | Oscar Piastri (McLaren) | 366 |
| 3 | Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) | 341 |
| 4 | George Russell (Mercedes) | 276 |
| 5 | Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) | 214 |
| 6 | Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) | 148 |
| 7 | Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) | 122 |
| 8 | Alexander Albon (Williams) | 73 |
| 9 | Nico Hülkenberg (Sauber) | 43 |
| 10 | Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) | 43 |
The 2025 Brazilian Grand Prix had everything F1 fans could ask for, all the drama, the excitement, and a big change in the momentum. Norris’s brilliant win, Antonelli’s impressive drive, and Ferrari’s struggles have changed the look of the championship as the season is about to end.
Brazil wasn’t just another race, it was the moment the title fight truly took shape.
Written by Kinjal Walantra