McLaren’s Lando Norris at the Lusail International Circuit ahead of the Formula One Qatar Grand Prix 2025 yesterday.
Doha, Qatar: Lando Norris storms into the spotlight ahead of the crucial Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2025, carrying a golden chance to seal his maiden drivers’ world championship title at the Lusail International Circuit.
Despite a setback at the Las Vegas Grand Prix last Sunday, the McLaren driver remains the favourite and needs to outscore his title rivals by only two points to secure the crown in Qatar - the penultimate weekend of the season with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix still to come.
Both Norris and his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri were disqualified in Las Vegas for technical infringements after post-race checks found the skid blocks on both cars to be below the minimum depth.
Max Verstappen won the last two editions of the Qatar Grand Prix.
The disqualification allowed Las Vegas winner Max Verstappen to slice Norris’ lead to 24 points, drawing level with Piastri on 366 points.
“It was frustrating but actually I was quite okay. Just excited to go again this weekend,” said Norris.
“It doesn’t change anything. I feel as relaxed now as I was before when I was 35 points behind, and I feel the same when I’m 24 points ahead. I want to try and win in Qatar and I want to try and win in Abu Dhabi.”
A total of 58 points remain on offer - eight for winning tomorrow’s sprint and 25 each for the victors of Sunday’s race and next weekend’s finale in Abu Dhabi.
Kick Sauber's German driver Nico Hulkenberg (left), Williams' Spanish driver Carlos Sainz and Ferrari's British driver Lewis Hamilton (right) attend a press conference. AFP
While Norris cannot seal the title in the sprint, he can walk away with the trophy after Sunday’s Qatar Grand Prix.
“I’ve never been in this situation before but I’m excited, it’s exciting for everyone,” Norris said.
“The earlier I can do it the better, but at the same time that doesn’t change how I do anything. I just need to try to win, as simple as that,” added the 26-year-old Briton.
A Norris title triumph would give McLaren their first team-and-driver double since Mika Hakkinen’s success in 1998.
But a resurgent Verstappen stands firmly in his path. Fighting for his fifth consecutive world crown, the Red Bull star has mounted a remarkable comeback, cutting down a 104-point deficit since the start of September.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc arrives at the Lusail International Circuit.
The Lusail circuit has been a happy hunting ground for Verstappen, who claimed victories at the last two grands prix held there. Now he is targeting a perfect weekend including a sprint win.
“We will still approach the weekend the same way we have always done and just take it one race at a time,” said the 28-year-old Dutchman.
“We go into each weekend focused on maximising as many points as we can and extracting the best performance out of the car possible, which is exactly what we will be doing for this race too,” the four-time champion added.
“It is a sprint weekend, so there are even more points to win here, and we can only afford to have a perfect weekend. Lusail is a demanding circuit; the heat means tyre management is key and we need to make sure we execute everything right with the mandatory two stop.”
Racing Bulls' French driver Isack Hadjar with fans.
While Norris and Verstappen dominate the headlines, Piastri cannot be ruled out as the third contender for the title.
The Australian dismissed talk of supporting Norris’ bid, stressing he is still very much in the fight.
“We’ve had a very brief discussion on it and the answer is no,” he explained.
“I’m still equal on points with Max and I’ve got a decent shot of still winning it if things go my way, so that’s how we’ll play it. There’s still a chance, and it’s played out that way a couple of times before, so I know it’s not impossible.”
Piastri remains unbeaten in Qatar’s sprint races, having won both of the last two editions.
Drivers standings
