SAO PAULO (AP) — McLaren driver Lando Norris won Saturday’s Formula 1 sprint race at the Brazilian Grand Prix to reduce his deficit over championship leader Max Verstappen.

But Norris had to thank his teammate Oscar Piastri for giving him the victory at Interlagos.

Red Bull’s Verstappen finished third, although he is under investigation for a possible virtual safety car violation.

The difference between Norris and Verstappen, with four grands prix and a final sprint race until the end of the season, is now 45 points.

Norris started second on the grid and, at the end of the 24-lap sprint race, Piastri gave way to him.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who also has a good chance of winning the title, finished fourth, just ahead of teammate Carlos Sainz Jr.

Mercedes’ George Russell, Alpine’s Pierre Gasly and Red Bull’s Sergio Perez were next best and within the points positions.

Norris seemed annoyed on the team radio by leader Piastri’s pace for most of the sprint race.

“I’m not sure what I’m doing here, man,” Norris said. “I thought we talked about this.”

Norris later said that McLaren had done a good job.

“I’m not proud of it, but we worked well as a team, so I thank Oscar,” he said. “The Oscar deserved (a win) but we did what we had to do.”

At first, Piastri did not elaborate on McLaren’s decision. “A great day for the team and many points. “We learned a lot for tomorrow’s race,” he said.

Speaking to reporters later, Piastri described the race as “a little complicated.”

“(Giving way to Norris) is not as fun as winning,” said the Australian driver. “But we’ve been talking about this for months.”

Verstappen, a three-time champion, will find it difficult to beat the McLarens in Sunday’s race. He received a five-place grid penalty after changing his engine for the sixth time this season; the maximum allowed is four.

Later, qualifying for Sunday’s race is expected to take place under some risk of rain.

The track could be wet to pay tribute to legendary three-time champion Ayrton Senna, whose title-winning McLaren will be driven by one of his biggest fans, Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton.

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