Norris Tops Piastri in Sao Paulo Practice
Lando Norris has outperformed Oscar Piastri at each of the past five race weekends.
Lando Norris edged out fellow driver and title rival Oscar Piastri for the top spot in the final moments of practice at the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Norris, who took the title advantage from Piastri by one point after taking the win in the Mexican Grand Prix a fortnight back, beat the Australian by a mere 0.023s.
Earlier in the session, Piastri had been the quickest of the McLaren pair for most of the session before sprint qualifying scheduled for 6:30 PM GMT.
The Red Bull star, the only other driver in the championship fight, sitting 36 points behind Norris, ended up in 17th place as his team opted for a unique setup.
His teammate the Japanese driver was the sole competitor to crash, if briefly, when he spun at Turn Four soon after starting.
The Japanese lost control over the exit kerbs before spinning across the escape zone, and was fortunate to escape with just a minor contact of the barrier.
The Ferrari of Lewis Hamilton also lost it, at the final moments of the session, turning around through the fast downhill Mergulho turn approaching the last turn on to the main straight.
The veteran wrapped up in 19th place, just behind teammate Charles Leclerc.
The McLaren drivers were well clear of the remaining drivers, with Nico Hulkenberg's car P3, over half a second behind Piastri's pace.
The Aston Martin of the Spanish driver was fourth quickest, with the Sauber of Gabriel Bortoleto in front of Mercedes' Russell and Alpine's Gasly and the Williams of Sainz.