Lando Norris Tops Oscar Piastri in Sao Paulo Practice Session
Lando Norris has outscored Oscar Piastri at all of the previous five grands prix.
Lando Norris narrowly beat team-mate and title rival Oscar Piastri for the fastest time in the closing stages of the practice session at the Brazilian Grand Prix.
The British racer, who seized the points lead from his teammate by just one point after his victory in Mexico City two weeks ago, topped the Australian by 0.023 seconds.
Earlier in the session, Piastri had been the fastest McLaren driver for most of the session before sprint qualifying set to begin at the evening session.
Max Verstappen, the only other driver in realistic title contention, sitting with a 36-point deficit Norris, was classified in P17 as his Red Bull team opted for a alternative strategy.
His teammate the Japanese driver was the only driver to crash, if briefly, when he spun at Turn Four soon after starting.
Tsunoda spun out over the exit kerbs before sliding over the gravel trap, and was blessed to get away with just a light touch of the fence.
Ferrari's the seven-time champion also spun, at the very end of the practice, turning around through the high-speed Mergulho corner leading to the final bend on to the start-finish straight.
The seven-time champion finished practice in 19th place, trailing team-mate Charles Leclerc.
Norris and Piastri were far ahead of the remaining drivers, with the German's car P3, 0.619 seconds behind Piastri's pace.
Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso was fourth quickest, with the Sauber of Gabriel Bortoleto in front of the Mercedes of Russell and the Alpine of Pierre Gasly and the Williams of Sainz.
