Lando Norris has undergone a remarkable transformation in the 2025 F1 season, overcoming past errors and showing a new level of composure and strategic racecraft. After trailing teammate Oscar Piastri significantly post-summer break, Norris has surged ahead to lead the drivers' standings by 24 points. His improved race starts, error-free driving, and ability to perform under pressure, highlighted by a dominant win in Sao Paulo, demonstrate his readiness to contend for the championship and solidify his status as a top-tier driver.
McLaren's Oscar Piastri is set to miss the first free practice session in Abu Dhabi, a potentially decisive final race of the season. Due to F1 regulations mandating two rookie practice sessions per year, Piastri's participation in Las Vegas FP1 means he must sit out Abu Dhabi, potentially impacting his championship preparation against rivals like Lando Norris and Max Verstappen. Pato O'Ward is the likely replacement.
The Las Vegas Grand Prix is set to challenge F1 teams and drivers with unusually cold temperatures and potential rain. The unique Thursday-to-Saturday schedule culminates in a late race start, but the primary concern is tire management under chilly conditions. Optimal tire performance will be crucial on the Strip Circuit, adding a layer of strategic complexity to the race weekend.
The 2025 F1 season culminates in a triple-header finale, starting in Las Vegas, with the drivers' title and constructors' battles still raging. Experts predict Lando Norris is poised for the championship, while Mercedes is favored for second in constructors'. The fight for sixth place, however, is wide open, with Haas aiming to overcome Racing Bulls. Bold predictions include podiums for Yuki Tsunoda and Lewis Hamilton, and even a maiden win for Andrea Kimi Antonelli, setting the stage for an unpredictable and thrilling end to the season.
McLaren boss Andrea Stella affirms the team's pragmatic approach as the F1 title race intensifies, with Lando Norris leading teammate Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen. With three races remaining, the championship is likely to become an intra-team battle for McLaren, highlighting the need for strategic management and consistent performance from both drivers on the challenging upcoming circuits.
George Russell revealed Williams was near bankruptcy during his 2019 F1 debut, emphasizing that his first points finish in Hungary over two years later was critical for the team's survival. His candid remarks highlight the immense financial pressures in F1 and the crucial impact of every point on a team's existence, shedding light on Williams' difficult past and their ongoing recovery.
Jenson Button has reiterated his criticism of Ferrari chairman John Elkann, after Elkann publicly told Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton to 'talk less' and 'focus on driving.' Button argued that such remarks, made publicly, are counterproductive given the immense pressure at Ferrari and that private, direct communication is a more effective way to address team issues and maintain cohesion among top-tier drivers. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions within the team as they navigate a challenging season.
Juan Pablo Montoya has declared Max Verstappen out of the F1 2025 title race, asserting that Lando Norris's commanding 49-point lead with three races remaining is insurmountable. Montoya also dismissed claims that Norris's success is merely due to a 'better car,' arguing that Verstappen benefited from superior machinery in his earlier wins, reigniting the classic F1 'driver vs. car' debate.
Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff emphasizes that the team is "not taking anything for granted" in the battle for second place in the Constructors' Championship, despite recent strong performances. Heading into the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Wolff and driver George Russell both express caution, acknowledging the intense competition and the unique challenges of the low-grip Strip Circuit. The team remains focused on consistent execution through the final races, with Wolff expecting the fight for P2 to go down to the wire in Abu Dhabi.
EA Sports and Codemasters have confirmed there will be no standalone F1 game for the 2026 season, ending an almost two-decade run of annual releases. Instead, F1 2025 will receive a premium content update for 2026 to incorporate new regulations, cars, and drivers. This move is a "strategic reset" to allow developers to create an entirely new, reimagined F1 game experience for the 2027 season.
George Russell is tempering expectations for a repeat victory at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, despite Mercedes' historical strength on tracks without tire overheating. While he anticipates a competitive showing, he acknowledges that the W16's evolution for the 2024 season might prevent a dominant performance like last year's, highlighting the unique and extreme nature of the Las Vegas circuit.
Lando Norris has a golden opportunity in Las Vegas to knock Max Verstappen out of the F1 title race, leaving only Oscar Piastri as his remaining challenger. With a 49-point lead over Verstappen, Norris can secure his advantage by gaining just nine more points on the Red Bull driver. This move would set the stage for an all-McLaren championship showdown, highlighting the team's strong late-season performance.
