Brundle Warns Norris, McLaren of 'Curveball' Threat in Las Vegas GP

Lando Norris now holds a 24-point lead in the World Championship, but former F1 driver Martin Brundle believes the unique conditions of the Las Vegas Grand Prix could pose a significant "curveball" for Norris and McLaren. Brundle highlighted the night racing and low-grip street circuit as potential hurdles, contrasting them with the more favorable conditions expected in Qatar and Abu Dhabi for the championship hopefuls.

Why it matters:

• Norris's commanding lead, established through a double win in Brazil and rival Oscar Piastri's struggles, makes him a strong title favorite.
• However, the F1 season's unpredictable nature means a single reliability issue or collision, as seen earlier in the season, could dramatically shift the championship balance.
• The Las Vegas GP's distinct track characteristics could disrupt McLaren's momentum, which has been strong on more traditional circuits, making it a critical race in the title fight.

The Details:

• Norris's Dominance: Norris secured pole position and victories in both the Sprint and the main race in Brazil, accumulating a full 33 points. This performance provided him with a significant points advantage over Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen.
• Crucial Pole Positions: Brundle emphasized the importance of pole position, noting that seven consecutive races have been won from pole, highlighting Norris's ability to deliver under pressure, especially in his final Q3 run after an initial error.
• Triple-Header Challenge: The final three races of the season are a triple-header, starting with Las Vegas, followed by Qatar and Abu Dhabi. While McLaren is expected to perform well in the latter two, Las Vegas presents a unique challenge.
• Las Vegas 'Curveball': Brundle specifically pointed to the cool conditions and low-grip surface of the Las Vegas street circuit as a potential "curveball." These factors could make the weekend more difficult for McLaren compared to the expected performance in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
• Previous Incidents: Brundle recalled past incidents, such as Norris's reliability issues at Zandvoort and the collision between McLaren drivers in Montreal, to underscore how quickly the title race could change due to unforeseen circumstances.

Looking Ahead:

Norris enters the final stretch with a strong lead, but the Las Vegas Grand Prix represents a significant test for McLaren. Their ability to adapt to the unique conditions of the night street race will be crucial in maintaining their championship advantage. While Qatar and Abu Dhabi are expected to be more favorable, the 'curveball' in Las Vegas could be the turning point that reshapes the title battle before the season concludes.