A penalty for taking a new engine had dropped him to the back. Climbing through the field ranks among his best comebacks, on a circuit where he has already delivered mighty performances, not least a win from 17th in 2024. Mercedes, the Brackley-based squad, remain a fearsome operation. Dominant for the opening half of the year, with both the best car and the best engine, they have taken 12 wins from 20 meetings.
Their competitive edge may have dulled, and their operational execution has been in question. Coming back at the first time of asking to close out with such control was still a reminder of what they remain, and that they will finish the season as the early benchmark of this era in F1.
A podium is not where he wants to be. The pace of the Red Bull, though, indicated that a team which began the season well off the pace is very much on course to be in the mix next season.
What the occasion meant to Mercedes was clear in São Paulo. As many of the team’s personnel as could be squeezed onto the podium joined the celebration.
The result was a real one for McLaren. The final set of upgrades brought to this round, notably the front wing, appeared to have paid off.
The McLaren had immense pace, and Norris had the measure of the conditions through to the flag.
Rain swept the track in the final 10 laps and set off a flurry of pit stops for wet rubber. The lead still held.
The team had been hoping those late developments would show the car was heading in the right direction for 2027.
Max Verstappen was outstanding once more at Interlagos, taking second after starting 21st on the grid.