Sprint report and highlights from the Sao Paulo Grand Prix 2024: Norris takes victory in the Sao Paulo sprint ahead of Piastri after the McLaren driver changed

McLaren made a driver change on lap 22 to move Norris into first place – but then Piastri was in danger of losing his position to Verstappen, who was only around half a second behind the world champion. A few moments later, however, a virtual safety car was called to free the stricken Haas from Hülkenberg.

When the VSC phase came to an end on the last lap, Piastri had his hands full fending off Verstappen. However, in the end the Australian held the position, meaning McLaren secured a one-two finish, led by Norris as the checkered flag fell.

Verstappen followed in third place, but it was confirmed that the reigning champion would be investigated for a Virtual Safety Car breach after the sprint. After a hearing with the sports commissioners, he received a time penalty of five seconds and a penalty point on his license for exceeding the minimum time at the VSC end, which resulted in him falling back to fourth place.

This moved Leclerc up to third place, his Ferrari colleague Sainz was fifth, Russell sixth and Gasly seventh, while Perez took the final point in eighth.

The result means Norris has reduced his gap in the Drivers' Championship to 44 points, while McLaren is now 34 points ahead of Ferrari in the Constructors' Championship.