Norris Edges Out Piastri in Sao Paulo Practice Session

The McLaren driver narrowly beat fellow driver and title rival 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, topped the Melbourne-born driver by a mere 0.023s.

Earlier in the session, Oscar Piastri had been the leading McLaren for most of the session before sprint qualifying set to begin at the evening session.

Max Verstappen, the sole remaining contender in realistic title contention, lying 36 points Norris, was classified in 17th place as his Red Bull team opted for a different programme.

His teammate Yuki Tsunoda was the sole competitor to have an incident, though minor, when he lost control at Turn Four during the early running.

The Japanese slid over the exit kerbs before rotating through the gravel trap, and was lucky to get away with just a minor contact of the barrier.

The Ferrari of Lewis Hamilton also lost it, at the conclusion of the session, spinning around through the quick descending Mergulho corner approaching the final bend on to the main straight.

The veteran wrapped up in 19th place, just behind team-mate Charles Leclerc.

Norris and Piastri were far ahead of the remaining drivers, with the German's Sauber in third, 0.619secs slower than the Australian's time.

The Aston Martin of Fernando Alonso was fourth quickest, with the Sauber of Bortoleto ahead of the Mercedes of George Russell and the Alpine of Gasly and Williams' Sainz.