SHOCK driver declared Brazilian GP sprint winner

Verstappen, Norris, Piastri, socials — Photo: © IMAGO

Brazilian Grand Prix

SHOCK driver declared Brazilian GP sprint winner

Lando Norris won the sprint race on track, but Piastri has been declared the winner by some

Originally written by Simmey Hannifin Donaldson. This version is a translation.

Sunday 3 November 2024 01:00

Oscar Piastri was called the winner of the Brazilian Grand Prix, in a bizarre and faintly awkward scene.

Formula 1 returned to Interlagos this weekend for the third part of an all-American triple-header.

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After McLaren locked out the front row for the sprint, it was pole-sitter Oscar Piastri who led for the majority of the race before McLaren intervened and asked the Aussie to allow his team-mate Lando Norris - who is battling Max Verstappen in the drivers' championship - through.

Piastri duly obliged, with Norris going on to take the chequered flag and the sprint victory.

Oscar Piastri started Saturday's Brazil GP sprint in P1

Lando Norris was the sprint race winner in Brazil

Who won the Brazil GP sprint?

This was evident in the official FIA press conference after the race when a journalist began their question by congratulating Piastri on his win - essentially declaring him the winner in an awkward moment.

"Congratulations Oscar on your win," a reporter began, leaving Lando Norris and Max Verstappen awkwardly grinning alongside the Aussie.

"Erm, I don't know what I won, but thank you," Piastri replied.

McLaren used team orders in the Brazilian GP sprint

McLaren's team order could prove to be a crucial one in the battle for the drivers' championship, with every single point potentially counting come the end of the season.

The switch ensured Norris cut Verstappen's lead by two points to 45 and this was later reduced further after Verstappen was penalised by the FIA and demoted to fourth.

Norris now trails the Red Bull star by 44 points heading into Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen McLaren Lando Norris FIA Oscar Piastri Brazilian Grand Prix