Lando Norris Eyes F1 Championship and McLaren Race Start Record in Qatar

Lando Norris arrives at the Qatar Grand Prix with a unique opportunity: to potentially secure his maiden Formula 1 world championship and, more definitively, set a new record for most Grand Prix starts with McLaren. While the championship challenge is a long shot, requiring him to outscore Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen by a significant margin, the record for McLaren starts is all but guaranteed.

Why it matters:

Lando Norris's journey with McLaren has been a story of promising talent steadily maturing into a top-tier driver. Breaking David Coulthard's long-standing record for most Grand Prix starts with the team not only solidifies his place in McLaren's rich history but also underscores his loyalty and consistent performance. Simultaneously, the outside chance of a championship in Qatar, while remote, highlights the continuous progress of both Norris and the revitalized McLaren team.

The Details:

• Championship Scenario: Norris currently holds 390 points, 24 points ahead of both Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen, who are tied at 366. To clinch the title in Qatar, Norris would need to outscore both competitors by at least two points. However, due to the points structure and remaining races, the championship cannot be decided in Saturday's Sprint race, only in Sunday's Grand Prix.
• Record-Breaking Start: This weekend at the Lusail International Circuit, Lando Norris is set to surpass David Coulthard's record of 150 Grand Prix starts for McLaren. Coulthard achieved his tally over eight seasons (1997-2004), while Norris will reach 151 starts in his sixth F1 season.
• McLaren's Centurions: Norris will join an elite group of six drivers who have completed over 100 Grand Prix starts for McLaren, including F1 legends such as Jenson Button, Mika Hakkinen, Lewis Hamilton, and Alain Prost.
• Teammate's Progress: Oscar Piastri is currently on 68 Grand Prix starts. Barring any missed races and assuming he remains with McLaren, he is projected to reach his century of starts with the team by the fifth race of the 2027 season.

The Big Picture:

Norris's consistent presence and growth at McLaren are testament to the team's long-term vision and his integral role in their recent resurgence. While Red Bull's dominance with Max Verstappen makes a 2024 championship unlikely for Norris, his development and the team's upward trajectory signal a promising future. This record further cements his status as a key figure in McLaren's modern era.

What's next:

While the championship likely extends beyond Qatar, Norris will undoubtedly celebrate becoming McLaren's most experienced driver in terms of race starts. His focus will then shift to maximizing points in the remaining races, aiming to consolidate McLaren's position in the Constructors' Championship and continuing his push for a future title bid.