Norris Leads Oscar Piastri in Brazilian Practice
Lando Norris has outperformed Oscar Piastri at all of the previous five grands prix.
Lando Norris just pipped team-mate and championship contender the Australian for the fastest time in the closing stages of practice at the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Norris, who took the title advantage from his teammate by one point after his victory in Mexico City a fortnight back, topped the Melbourne-born driver by 0.023 seconds.
Earlier in the session, Piastri had been the leading McLaren during the running before sprint qualifying due at 6:30 PM GMT.
The Red Bull star, the sole remaining contender in realistic title contention, trailing 36 points behind Norris, finished in 17th position as his Red Bull team ran a unique setup.
Verstappen's team-mate Yuki Tsunoda was the only driver to crash, albeit lightly, when he spun at Turn Four early in the session.
The Japanese lost control over the curbs on exit before sliding over the escape zone, and was lucky to get away with just a light touch of the barrier.
The Ferrari of the seven-time champion also had a spin, at the conclusion of the session, rotating twice through the fast downhill Mergulho turn approaching the last turn on to the pit straight.
Hamilton finished practice in P19, just behind teammate Charles Leclerc.
Norris and Piastri were far ahead of the remaining drivers, with Nico Hulkenberg's Sauber in third, 0.619secs off the Australian's time.
The Aston Martin of Fernando Alonso was fourth fastest, with the Sauber of Gabriel Bortoleto in front of the Mercedes of George Russell and the Alpine of Pierre Gasly and the Williams of Carlos Sainz.
