In 2016, he had climbed from 16th to third place in the rain. Last year, he had taken third place after starting from the pit lane. In 2025, he had won from 17th on the grid. This result allows Mercedes to seal its ninth constructors' title and its first drivers' and constructors' double since Hamilton's title in 2020.
Verstappen fitted a complete set of new engine components, which forces him to start from 21st place. His climb to second ranks among his best comebacks on a circuit where he has already produced remarkable performances.
After his first stop, Antonelli encounters problems that appear linked to an imbalance in tire temperatures. He runs off the track twice, a type of difficulty he has not experienced throughout the season.
Tension appears in the final ten laps, when rain sweeps across the track and triggers a flurry of pit stops to fit wet tires. The track is treacherous; Norris keeps it under control until the flag.
Kimi Antonelli, world champion, leads the opening phase. Starting from second place, the Italian leaps forward as the lights go out and passes Norris right from the start.
Starting from pole, he showed a high pace in qualifying. The car confirms a comparable form in the race.
These troubles allow Norris to take the lead, from which he is no longer challenged.
Lando Norris wins the Brazilian Grand Prix in the rain, with a 14-second lead at the flag. Max Verstappen finishes second after starting from 21st place. This victory is Norris's third of the season, his second in a row in Brazil, and the 14th of his career.