Motor racing-Norris wins Sao Paulo sprint to cut Verstappen's F1 lead

Formula One F1 - Sao Paulo Grand Prix - Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace, Sao Paulo, Brazil - November 2, 2024 McLaren's Oscar Piastri, McLaren's Lando Norris, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, Red Bull's Max Verstappen and drivers in action at the start of the sprint race REUTERS/Carla Carniel

SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Lando Norris cut Max Verstappen's Formula One lead to 44 points after his McLaren team mate Oscar Piastri obeyed orders and gifted the Briton a sprint-race victory in Sao Paulo on Saturday.

Piastri had started on pole position and led until handing over two laps from the end after Red Bull's Verstappen had passed Ferrari's Charles Leclerc for third and became an increasing threat.