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The McLaren driver narrowly beat team-mate and title rival Oscar Piastri for the top spot in the closing stages of the practice session at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

Norris, who took the points lead from his teammate by one point after winning in Mexico City two weeks ago, beat the Australian by a tiny margin of 0.023secs.

Earlier in the session, Oscar Piastri had been the leading McLaren during the running before sprint qualifying scheduled for the evening session.

Max Verstappen, the sole remaining contender in the championship fight, trailing 36 points 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, though minor, when he rotated at Turn Four soon after starting.

Tsunoda spun out over the curbs on exit before spinning across the escape zone, and was fortunate to get away with just a minor contact of the wall.

The Ferrari of Lewis Hamilton also spun, at the final moments of the practice, turning around through the high-speed corner approaching the last turn on to the main straight.

The veteran ended the session in 19th place, one place behind teammate Charles Leclerc.

Norris and Piastri were well clear of the rest of the field, with Nico Hulkenberg's car third fastest, 0.619 seconds behind Piastri's pace.

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