Lando Norris Leads Oscar Piastri in Brazilian Practice Session
Lando Norris has outscored Oscar Piastri at each of the previous five grands prix.
Lando Norris just pipped team-mate and title rival Oscar Piastri for the fastest time in the final moments of the practice session at the Brazilian Grand Prix.
The British racer, who grabbed the championship lead from his teammate by a single point after winning in the Mexican Grand Prix a fortnight back, outpaced the Australian by a mere 0.023s.
Earlier in the session, Oscar Piastri had been the leading McLaren during the running before sprint qualifying due at 18:30 GMT.
The Red Bull star, the sole remaining contender in the points battle, trailing 36 points behind behind Norris, ended up in 17th place as his team opted for a alternative strategy.
Verstappen's team-mate the Japanese driver was the only driver to crash, though minor, when he rotated at corner four early in the session.
The Japanese lost control over the track edges before sliding over the escape zone, and was blessed to get away with just a light touch of the barrier.
The Ferrari of Lewis Hamilton also spun, at the final moments of the practice, spinning around through the high-speed Mergulho corner before the last turn on to the main straight.
The veteran wrapped up in P19, trailing teammate Charles Leclerc.
Norris and Piastri were well clear of the remaining drivers, with Nico Hulkenberg's car P3, 0.619secs behind Piastri's pace.
Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso was fourth quickest, with Sauber's Bortoleto in front of Mercedes' George Russell and the Alpine of Pierre Gasly and Williams' Sainz.
