Lando Norris Edges Out Piastri in Brazilian Practice
The British driver has outperformed his teammate at all of the past five grands prix.
The McLaren driver just pipped team-mate and title rival Oscar Piastri for the top spot in the dying seconds of practice at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
Norris, who took the points lead from Piastri by one point after his victory in the Mexican Grand Prix two weeks ago, outpaced the Australian by 0.023 seconds.
Before then, Oscar Piastri had been the quickest of the McLaren pair throughout the hour before the sprint shootout due at the evening session.
Max Verstappen, the only other driver in realistic title contention, lying with a 36-point deficit behind Norris, ended up in P17 as his team opted for a alternative strategy.
His teammate the Japanese driver was the sole competitor to go off, albeit lightly, when he spun at Turn Four early in the session.
Tsunoda slid over the exit kerbs before spinning across the gravel trap, and was fortunate to avoid just a light touch of the wall.
Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton also spun, at the final moments of the practice, spinning around through the fast downhill Mergulho corner before the last turn on to the main straight.
The seven-time champion ended the session in 19th place, trailing team-mate the Monegasque driver.
The McLaren drivers were far ahead of the rest of the field, with Nico Hulkenberg's car in third, 0.619 seconds behind Piastri's pace.
The Aston Martin of the Spanish driver was in fourth, with the Sauber of Bortoleto in front of the Mercedes of Russell and Alpine's Pierre Gasly and Williams' Carlos Sainz.
