Norris Edges Out Piastri in Sao Paulo Practice Session

The McLaren driver narrowly beat fellow driver and championship contender Oscar Piastri for the fastest time in the final moments of the practice session at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

The British racer, who seized the title advantage from Piastri by one point after taking the win in Mexico City a fortnight back, beat the Australian by 0.023 seconds.

Before then, Piastri had been the fastest McLaren driver for most of the session before sprint qualifying scheduled for 6:30 PM GMT.

Max Verstappen, the sole remaining contender in realistic title contention, trailing 36 points Norris, was classified in 17th position as his Red Bull team ran a unique setup.

His teammate the Japanese driver was the sole competitor to crash, albeit lightly, when he lost control at corner four soon after starting.

The Japanese lost control over the exit kerbs before spinning across the gravel trap, and was blessed to escape with just a minor contact of the barrier.

The Ferrari of the seven-time champion also had a spin, at the very end of the session, spinning around through the fast downhill corner leading to the final bend on to the start-finish straight.

Hamilton ended the session in 19th place, one place behind teammate Charles Leclerc.

The McLaren drivers were significantly quicker of the remaining drivers, with Nico Hulkenberg's car P3, over half a second behind Piastri's pace.

Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso was in fourth, with the Sauber of Gabriel Bortoleto in front of the Mercedes of George Russell and the Alpine of Pierre Gasly and the Williams of Sainz.