Lando Norris has the opportunity to wrap up the 2025 Formula 1 Driver’s title at this weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix, despite his and McLaren’s costly DSQ in Las Vegas.
Going into last weekend, Norris had a healthy 34-point lead over team-mate Oscar Piastri, with Max Verstappen having also made inroads with his recent run of form.
Taking pole position, Norris had the potential to eliminate Verstappen as a contender, needing just nine points to see off the Dutchman and further out of Piastri’s reach.
Instead, he endured yet another poor first corner, going deep under braking and surrendering the lead to the reigning champion, one which he would never see again.
His championship bid was then further compounded by McLaren’s double DSQ from the race, Norris now sitting 24 points clear of a rampantly charging Verstappen.
Yet, given Norris’ lead and with just two races and a sprint remaining, the Briton has a chance to leave the Qatar GP as World Champion, should the weekend swing his way.
How Norris can wrap up title in Qatar
The permutations on how Lando Norris can win the title on the surface seem simple enough, but given the competitiveness of Verstappen, nothing is guaranteed.
The first scenario is Norris outscoring Verstappen and Piastri by two points, a possibility given McLaren’s expected competitiveness at the Lusail International Circuit.
His second opportunity is to outscore his title rivals by a single point while also taking victory in Sunday’s race at a track that has been favourable for his team-mate.
Should Norris win the title in Qatar, he will be the second driver to become World Champion at Lusail, following Max Verstappen winning his third at the circuit in 2023.
READ MORE – ‘I meant it’ – Max Verstappen on Lando Norris’ 2025 F1 title chances
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