Verstappen's Aggression Tipped to Delay Norris' F1 Title Celebration
Lando Norris leads the F1 2025 championship by 24 points, but pundits like Juan Pablo Montoya and James Hinchcliffe predict Max Verstappen's aggressive driving could delay Norris' title celebrations until Abu Dhabi. While Norris needs minimal points to win in Qatar, a DNF would be catastrophic, and Verstappen's 'nothing to lose' mentality, as seen in Las Vegas, poses a significant threat on a track where both McLaren and Red Bull have historically performed well.
Lando Norris is poised to clinch the F1 2025 title, but pundits predict he'll have to wait until Abu Dhabi, as Max Verstappen is expected to race with 'extreme' aggression in Qatar. A DNF for Norris in the penultimate round could prove costly, as he currently holds a 24-point lead over Oscar Piastri and Verstappen, who are tied on 366 points.
Why it matters:
McLaren's Lando Norris is on the cusp of his maiden Formula 1 World Championship, leading by a comfortable margin. However, the unpredictability of racing and the aggressive driving style of Max Verstappen could delay his celebrations, adding significant tension to the final two races of the season. A championship fight going down to the wire keeps fans engaged and highlights the fierce competition at the top.
The Details:
- Championship Scenario: Norris needs to outscore Piastri and Verstappen by just two points in Qatar, or one point if he wins the Grand Prix, to secure the title.
- Pundit Predictions: F1TV pundits, including former IndyCar star James Hinchcliffe and seven-time Grand Prix winner Juan Pablo Montoya, believe Norris will win the title, but not in Qatar.
- Verstappen Factor: Montoya highlighted Max Verstappen's 'aggressive' approach, stating, "Max is gonna be so aggressive because for Max, he either has a chance of the championship or he doesn't care." Verstappen's win record at the Lusail International Circuit – twice – also makes him a formidable opponent.
- Norris's Vulnerability: The main concern for Norris is avoiding a DNF (Did Not Finish), which could severely jeopardize his points lead. This pressure could lead to mistakes, as seen in previous races.
- Previous Incident: In Las Vegas, Norris started on pole but aggressively tried to defend against Verstappen, leading him to miss his braking point and run off track. While he recovered to second, he was later disqualified due to excessive skid plank wear, alongside teammate Piastri.
- Track Characteristics: While Qatar is often considered a 'McLaren track,' Hinchcliffe reminded that it's also a 'Max track,' given Verstappen's strong past performances and the Red Bull's recent pace.
What's next:
The focus shifts to the upcoming Qatar Grand Prix, where Norris will aim to consolidate his lead while fending off an aggressive Verstappen. Should Norris fail to secure the title in Qatar, the championship decider will move to Abu Dhabi, promising a thrilling conclusion to the F1 2025 season. The pressure on Norris to avoid mistakes, especially in close quarter racing with Verstappen, will be immense.