F1 Title Odds Shift as McLaren DSQ Tightens Norris-Verstappen Battle
McLaren's disqualification in Las Vegas has dramatically reshaped the 2025 F1 title odds, pulling Lando Norris closer to Max Verstappen. Both McLaren cars were found with worn floor planks, costing Norris and Piastri crucial points and tightening the championship battle. Norris now leads by just 24 points, setting the stage for an intense final two races.
The disqualification of both McLaren cars after the Las Vegas Grand Prix has significantly tightened the odds for the 2025 Formula 1 drivers' championship, bringing Max Verstappen closer to current leader Lando Norris in the betting markets. Despite Norris maintaining the top spot heading into the Qatar race week, his previous dominance in the odds has eroded following Verstappen's victory in Las Vegas.
Why it matters:
The dramatic shift in championship odds highlights the unpredictable nature of Formula 1 and how a single race incident can profoundly impact a title fight. For McLaren, it's a critical setback, costing them valuable points and putting their drivers under increased pressure as the season nears its end. For Red Bull and Verstappen, it offers renewed momentum and a tighter championship race.
The details:
- Leading sportsbooks have adjusted their lines, with Lando Norris now at -310 for a championship win on DraftKings, a less dominant position than before the Las Vegas race.
- Max Verstappen's odds have shortened to +225, indicating his increased chances following his victory.
- The disqualification stemmed from the FIA's finding that the floor planks of both McLaren cars had worn beyond the permitted tolerance.
- Team Principal Andrea Stella's statement: "During the race, both cars experienced unexpected, high levels of porpoising not seen in the practice sessions, which led to excessive contact with the ground. We apologise to Lando and Oscar for the loss of points today, at a critical time in their championship campaigns... While this outcome is extremely disappointing, we remain fully focused on the last two races of the season."
- Norris now holds a 24-point lead over Verstappen, with both drivers at 390 points, and also over his teammate Oscar Piastri.
- Oscar Piastri, despite his strong performance, now has odds of +1800, with his championship hopes relying heavily on issues for Norris.
What's next:
The F1 circus moves to the Losail International Circuit for the Qatar Grand Prix. McLaren will be eager to put this incident behind them and regain their momentum, while Verstappen and Red Bull will be looking to capitalize on this turn of events and further close the gap. The final two races promise an intense battle for the championship.