Doha, Qatar – Lando Norris arrives at the Lusail International Circuit with a golden opportunity to clinch the Formula 1 World Championship at this weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix. Despite a disqualification in the recent Las Vegas Grand Prix, the McLaren driver maintains a 24-point lead in the drivers’ standings, needing to outscore his rivals by a relatively small margin to secure the title with one race remaining after Qatar.
The 2025 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix presents a crucial penultimate race in the season, with 58 points still available, including points for both the main race and a sprint event. Norris’s consistency throughout the year has positioned him as the favorite, but recent events and a resurgent Max Verstappen have tightened the competition considerably.
Norris’s Championship Bid Faces Final Challenges
The disqualification of Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri in Las Vegas due to technical infringements regarding skid block depth handed a significant advantage to Verstappen. This result reduced the championship gap and leveled Verstappen with Piastri in the standings at 366 points, making the Qatar race even more critical. Norris acknowledged the frustration of the Las Vegas outcome but expressed optimism heading into the weekend.
“It was frustrating but actually I was quite okay,” Norris stated. “Just excited to go again this weekend. It doesn’t change anything. I want to try and win in Qatar and I want to try and win in Abu Dhabi.” He emphasized his focus remains on maximizing performance at each race, regardless of the points situation.
Verstappen’s Momentum and Lusail Expertise
Max Verstappen, a four-time champion, is determined to defend his title and is coming off a win in Las Vegas. He has demonstrably closed the gap on Norris since September, showcasing strong performance and challenging the McLaren driver’s lead. The Dutchman has also enjoyed success at the Lusail circuit, winning the last two Grand Prix held at the venue, and will be aiming for a perfect weekend including victory in the sprint race.
Verstappen emphasized a consistent approach. “We will still approach the weekend the same way we have always done and just take it one race at a time,” he said. “We need to make sure we execute everything right with the mandatory two stops.”
Additionally, Oscar Piastri remains a significant contender in the Formula 1 championship race, equal on points with Verstappen. He dismissed any notion of supporting Norris’s bid, stating he is still actively pursuing the title himself.
The Track and The Teams
The Lusail International Circuit is known for its fast-flowing layout and challenging conditions, particularly regarding tire degradation due to the heat. Teams will need to carefully manage tire wear throughout the race, especially with the mandatory two-stop strategy anticipated. Ferrari and Mercedes have been trailing behind McLaren and Red Bull, but could potentially play a role in the outcome of both championship fights.
A win for Lando Norris would mark McLaren’s first driver’s championship since Mika Hakkinen’s triumph in 1998, and a coveted team-and-driver double. However, Verstappen’s recent form suggests he will be a formidable opponent, and Piastri will undoubtedly be pushing for his own championship glory. The competition surrounding even secondary drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc could impact the overall race strategy.
The Qatar Grand Prix weekend culminates on Sunday with the main race, where Norris has the first opportunity to secure the Formula 1 World Championship. Should he fail to secure enough points, the battle will continue to the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
The outcome of the Qatar Grand Prix will significantly shape the championship standings, and all eyes will be on the duel between Norris and Verstappen. The performance of Piastri, coupled with potential strategic plays from other teams, adds further complexity. Following the Qatar race, the championship could be decided, or remain open for a thrilling conclusion in Abu Dhabi, dependent on the points differential and race results.
Drivers standings
- Lando Norris (GBR) – McLaren -390
- Oscar Piastri (AUS) – McLaren- 366
- Max Verstappen (NED) – Red Bull Racing – 366
- George Russell (GBR) – Mercedes – 294
- Charles Leclerc (MON) – Ferrari – 226
- Lewis Hamilton (GBR) – Ferrari – 152
- Kimi Antonelli (ITA) – Mercedes- 137
- Alexander Albon (THA) – Williams – 73
- Isack Hadjar (FRA) – Racing Bulls – 51
- Nico Hülkenberg (GER) – Kick Sauber – 49
- Carlos Sainz (ESP) – Williams – 48
- Oliver Bearman (GBR) – Haas F1 Team – 41
- Fernando Alonso (ESP) – Aston Martin – 40
- Liam Lawson (NZL)- Racing Bulls- 36
- Esteban Ocon (FRA)- Haas F1 Team- 32
- Lance Stroll (CAN)-Aston Martin – 32
- Yuki Tsunoda (JPN) – Red Bull Racing- 28
- Pierre Gasly (FRA) – Alpine – 22
- Gabriel Bortoleto (BRA) – Kick Sauber- 19
- Franco Colapinto (ARG) -Alpine – 0
- Jack Doohan (AUS) – Alpine – 0
The qualifying sessions on Friday and the sprint race on Saturday will provide early indications of each driver’s pace and potential for success, setting the stage for a dramatic Sunday grand prix. Fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring the tire strategies and potential for unexpected incidents at the challenging Lusail circuit.
