F1 Fans Favor Lando Norris for 2025 Title Despite Vegas Setback

Despite a double disqualification for McLaren in Las Vegas, F1 fans are still backing Lando Norris to clinch his maiden World Championship in 2025. A recent poll shows 51% believe Norris will secure the title, while 45% back Max Verstappen, with a mere 4% for Oscar Piastri.

Why it matters:

This fan sentiment highlights the intense pressure and shifting dynamics of the 2025 F1 title race. After years of development, Norris and McLaren are closer than ever to a championship, and fan confidence underscores the belief in their potential despite recent setbacks. The tight margins between the contenders promise a thrilling conclusion to the season, potentially going down to the wire in Abu Dhabi.

The Details:

• Fan Poll Results: A PlanetF1 poll indicates 51% of fans believe Lando Norris will win the 2025 F1 title, combining all scenarios where he takes the championship. 45% predict Max Verstappen will emerge victorious, while Oscar Piastri, despite being tied on points with Verstappen, garners only 4% of the votes.
• Norris's Position: Despite the Las Vegas disqualification, Norris remains in a strong championship position. He needs to outscore both title rivals by two points in Qatar to secure the title, otherwise, the championship will be decided in Abu Dhabi.
• Fan Reactions: Many fans, including 'Ponty' and 'Jojo', emphasize that Norris still holds a significant 24-point lead, making it his championship to lose. They note that consistent P3 finishes could be enough, but the buffer for mistakes has significantly reduced.
• Verstappen's Momentum: 'Gerard Baarslag' and 'Jackson Chan' point out that Max Verstappen, with nothing to lose, a relatively new power unit, and recent momentum, poses a significant threat. His ability to 'sniff blood' and climb mountains makes him a formidable challenger.
• McLaren's Challenges: The disqualification in Las Vegas has raised questions about McLaren's car legality and potential performance impacts. 'Alan' and 'Remove DRS Button' suggest that if the issue relates to the new technical directive on titanium skids, McLaren might need to raise their ride height, potentially losing performance. 'Corstiaan' also highlights concerns about Norris's engine reliability.
• Team Orders & Pressure: 'Marco Andrea' suggests that team orders should come into play to aid Norris against Verstappen. Several readers, including 'Steve Obeda' and 'DriveRaceWin', acknowledge the immense pressure on Norris to avoid any further slip-ups, both on track and during pit stops.

What's next:

The focus now shifts to the Qatar Grand Prix, where Norris has the opportunity to seal the championship. The performance implications of McLaren's Las Vegas disqualification, combined with Verstappen's relentless pursuit, will be key storylines. The mental fortitude of both drivers, especially Norris under pressure, will be critical as the season approaches its climax. If the title isn't decided in Qatar, Abu Dhabi will host a high-stakes finale, embodying the unpredictable nature of Formula 1.