Max Verstappen expressed disbelief at his stunning victory from 17th on the grid at the São Paulo Grand Prix, stating he never thought he would win. The Dutch driver described the day as emotional, especially after facing a significant setback during qualifying. His remarkable comeback has been hailed as one of the season's best performances. With this victory, Verstappen is now in a position to secure his fourth Formula 1 title in the next race. However, his title rival, Lando Norris, suggested that Verstappen benefited from fortunate circumstances, particularly regarding the red-flag rules that many drivers have criticized.

Lando Norris clinched victory in the sprint race at the São Paulo Grand Prix, with McLaren implementing team orders that allowed his teammate Oscar Piastri to relinquish the lead. This strategic move was aimed at enhancing Norris's points advantage over reigning champion Max Verstappen, who finished in third place. Piastri secured second, while Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz rounded out the top five in fourth and fifth, respectively. Piastri started from pole position and maintained his lead throughout most of the race. However, on lap 22 of the 24-lap sprint, he complied with team orders and allowed Norris to take the lead. McLaren had communicated their plan to switch the two drivers early in the race, and Piastri had previously expressed his willingness to support his teammate in this way.