F1 Championship standings | Verstappen extends advantage, Mercedes stay ahead

Max Verstappen might've lost pole position to Valtteri Bottas in Brazil, but at the end of the sprint race, the Dutchman's World Championship lead grew to 21 points over Lewis Hamilton. The Brit battled his way through the field to get P5 but will start from P10 due to an additional five-place penalty.

Hamilton's speed and overtaking skills were impressive during the sprint race. He proved it's entirely possible that he could reach the podium, or even challenge for the win. But for now, the Brit moves backwards in the 2021 title race.

The introduction of sprint races to Formula 1 means points also get handed out on Saturdays. The Sao Paulo Grand Prix represents the third and final trial event during the 2021 season. This has implications on both the Constructors Championship and Drivers' Championship. In the team standings, Mercedes' lead grew from one point to two points. Sergio Perez was attacking Sainz's car but the Mexican couldn't manage the overtake. As a result Ferrari gain a point on McLaren in the battle for third.

1. Verstappen 314.5 (+2)

2. Hamilton 293.5

3. Bottas 188 (+3)

4. Perez 165

5. Norris 150

6. Leclerc 138

7. Sainz 131.5 (1)

8. Ricciardo 105

9. Gasly 86

10. Alonso 60

11. Ocon 46

12. Vettel 42

13. Stroll 26

14. Tsunoda 20

15. Russell 16

16. Raikkonen 10

17. Latifi 7

18. Giovinazzi 1

19. Schumacher 0

20. Kubica 0

21. Mazepin 0