Norris Edges Out Oscar Piastri in Brazilian Practice Session
The British driver has outscored Oscar Piastri at each of the past five grands prix.
The McLaren driver edged out fellow driver and title rival Oscar Piastri for the quickest lap in the dying seconds of the practice session at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
Norris, who took the points lead from his teammate by a single point after winning in Mexico City a fortnight back, beat the Australian by 0.023 seconds.
Before then, Piastri had been the quickest of the McLaren pair during the running before the sprint shootout scheduled for 18:30 GMT.
Max Verstappen, the only other driver in the points battle, lying 36 points behind behind Norris, ended up in 17th position as his team ran a unique setup.
His teammate Yuki Tsunoda was the only driver to go off, albeit lightly, when he spun at the fourth corner early in the session.
The Japanese slid over the exit kerbs before sliding over the run-off area, and was blessed to escape with just a slight brush of the barrier.
The Ferrari of Lewis Hamilton also spun, at the conclusion of the practice, spinning around through the fast downhill corner leading to the final corner on to the start-finish straight.
The seven-time champion wrapped up in 19th, just behind teammate Charles Leclerc.
The McLaren pair were well clear of the other competitors, with the German's car third fastest, 0.619 seconds slower than Piastri's pace.
Aston Martin's the Spanish driver was fourth fastest, with the Sauber of Gabriel Bortoleto in front of Mercedes' Russell and the Alpine of Pierre Gasly and the Williams of Sainz.
