Verstappen's Championship Hopes Surge as McLaren's Las Vegas Disqualification Narrows Gap
Max Verstappen's championship odds have dramatically improved after McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were disqualified from the Las Vegas Grand Prix due to excessive plank wear. This ruling slashed Norris's lead to just 24 points over both Piastri and Verstappen, who are now tied, setting up a nail-biting finish to the F1 season with only two rounds left.
Max Verstappen's championship support has intensified following McLaren's double disqualification from the Las Vegas Grand Prix, which significantly tightened the title fight. While Verstappen secured another victory, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri's initial second and fourth-place finishes were overturned due to excessive plank wear, dramatically altering the points standings.
Why it matters:
McLaren's disqualification has breathed new life into the drivers' championship, bringing Max Verstappen — who was previously trailing significantly — much closer to Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. This unexpected turn of events sets the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the season with only two rounds remaining, intensifying the battle for the top spot.
The details:
- Verstappen's Gain: Verstappen's victory in Las Vegas was initially overshadowed by McLaren's strong performance, but the disqualifications mean he is now tied on points with Oscar Piastri and only 24 points behind championship leader Lando Norris.
- McLaren's Setback: Both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were disqualified from the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Norris, who finished P2, and Piastri, who finished P4, lost all their points from the race due to excessive plank wear on their cars.
- Championship Standings Shift: Prior to the disqualifications, Norris had temporarily extended his lead over Piastri to 30 points. The ruling has now reduced Norris's lead to 24 points over both Piastri and Verstappen, who are now equal in points.
- Fan Reactions: On Motorsport.com, fans are heavily backing either Max Verstappen or Lando Norris to win the championship, reflecting the now closer contest.
What's next:
With two Grand Prix races and one sprint race remaining, the F1 season heads to Qatar, followed by Abu Dhabi. The significantly narrowed points gap ensures that the final two rounds will be critical, with every point vital for the championship contenders. Verstappen's recent comments indicate his determination to maximize every opportunity, stating, "In the upcoming weekends we will try to win the race and at the end of Abu Dhabi we will see where we end up."