Norris's F1 Title Hopes Alive After Vegas Disqualifications, Qatar Showdown Looms
Lando Norris can still win the 2025 F1 title at the Qatar Grand Prix despite his and Oscar Piastri's disqualifications in Las Vegas. The penalties reset his lead to 24 points over both Piastri and Max Verstappen, creating a tense three-way championship battle. Norris needs to outscore his rivals by two points in Qatar, while McLaren maintains its policy of not favoring either driver, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion.
Lando Norris can still clinch the 2025 F1 Drivers' Championship this weekend at the Qatar Grand Prix, despite the shock disqualifications of both McLaren cars in Las Vegas. The penalty for excessive skid block wear reset the championship picture, reigniting the title fight with Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen.
Why it matters:
McLaren's disqualification in Las Vegas has injected dramatic tension into the championship, transforming what seemed like a comfortable lead for Norris into a tight three-way battle. A potent blend of rising talent (Norris, Piastri) and an experienced champion (Verstappen) makes the final two races critical for determining the 2025 F1 title holder.
The details:
- Championship Reset: Prior to the Las Vegas exclusions, Norris had extended his lead to 30 points. The disqualifications erased those points, bringing his advantage over Piastri back to 24 points, the same margin he holds over Max Verstappen.
- Qatar Opportunity: A maximum of 58 points are available from the remaining two rounds (Qatar and Abu Dhabi). Norris cannot secure the title in Saturday's Sprint race but will become champion if he is at least 26 points ahead of both Piastri and Verstappen after Sunday's Grand Prix.
- Norris's Path: To win, Norris needs to outscore his rivals by just two points over the Qatar weekend. One scenario involves a top-six finish in the Sprint followed by a Grand Prix victory.
- Rival Chances: Piastri and Verstappen must remain within 25 points or less of Norris to stay in contention. Verstappen, despite ruling himself out earlier, now sees a realistic chance, especially given Norris's lack of prior championship pressure.
- McLaren's Stance: McLaren CEO Zak Brown has reiterated the team's policy against favoring one driver, referencing the 2007 season when a similar situation led to Kimi Raikkonen winning the title. Team principal Andrea Stella confirmed they will not 'close the door' on either driver unless mathematically forced.
- Caution Post-Vegas: McLaren is investigating the skid block wear issue from Las Vegas. While Qatar and Abu Dhabi tracks are smoother, minimizing porpoising, even a minimal increase in ride height could affect performance and the outcome of the title race.
What's next:
The F1 season-ending triple header continues with the Qatar Grand Prix Sprint weekend, which will be crucial in defining the championship landscape. The pressure is on Norris to maintain his composure, while Piastri and Verstappen will be pushing to capitalize on any slip-ups. With McLaren committed to fair play, the on-track battles are set to be fierce, potentially leading to one of the most thrilling championship finishes in recent F1 history.