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The McLaren driver just pipped fellow driver and title rival the Australian for the top spot in the final moments of practice at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

Norris, who seized the title advantage from Piastri by just one point after winning in the Mexican Grand Prix recently, topped the Australian by 0.023 seconds.

Until that point, Oscar Piastri had been the quickest of the McLaren pair during the running before sprint qualifying set to begin at 6:30 PM GMT.

The Red Bull star, the only other driver in the points battle, lying with a 36-point deficit Norris, was classified in 17th place as his team followed a unique setup.

Verstappen's team-mate the Japanese driver was the sole competitor to go off, albeit lightly, when he rotated at Turn Four during the early running.

The Japanese spun out over the exit kerbs before spinning across the escape zone, and was fortunate to get away with just a minor contact of the barrier.

The Ferrari of the seven-time champion also had a spin, at the conclusion of the session, spinning around through the fast downhill corner approaching the last turn on to the pit straight.

Hamilton wrapped up in 19th, one place behind teammate the Monegasque driver.

Norris and Piastri were far ahead of the rest of the field, with the German's Sauber in third, 0.619secs behind the Australian's time.

Aston Martin's the Spanish driver was in fourth, with Sauber's Gabriel Bortoleto in front of the Mercedes of Russell and the Alpine of Pierre Gasly and Williams' Sainz.