LUSAIL, Qatar — As the Formula 1 season hurtles toward its climax, Lando Norris enters the penultimate race at the Qatar Grand Prix with a commanding yet precarious 24-point lead, poised to claim his first world championship. The 26-year-old McLaren driver, hailing from Britain, faces intense pressure from teammate Oscar Piastri and Red Bull's Max Verstappen, both trailing at 366 points to Norris's 390. With the Lusail International Circuit's floodlit track set to host Sunday's main event, Norris emphasized his mental resilience amid the high stakes.
The weekend's schedule kicks off with a practice session in the afternoon, followed by sprint qualifying in the early evening on Friday. Saturday features the sprint race, offering eight bonus points, while the 57-lap grand prix on Sunday dangles 25 more, plus the fastest lap point. In total, 33 points are up for grabs, meaning Norris can seal the title if he outscores his rivals by at least two points over the weekend. Race strategy takes on added complexity here due to mandatory two-stop rules enforced by the FIA for safety reasons, stemming from the high tire degradation risk on the 5.4-kilometer (3.35-mile) circuit. Pirelli has limited tire stints to a maximum of 25 laps, a precaution to prevent failures under the desert night's demanding conditions.
Norris's path to contention wasn't always smooth. Earlier this season, he trailed Piastri by 35 points, but a surge in form saw him win the two races leading into the Las Vegas Grand Prix. That momentum hit a snag last Sunday in Vegas, where both McLaren drivers were disqualified post-race for violating skid block wear regulations. Norris, who had finished second and earned 18 points, and Piastri, initially fourth for 12 points, saw their hauls wiped out after FIA stewards ruled the protective plank under their cars fell below minimum thickness requirements.
The disqualification dramatically reshuffled the standings. Before the penalty, Norris led Piastri by 30 points and Verstappen by 42. Now, it's a tight 24-point edge over both. Piastri, the Australian rookie sensation, holds the tiebreaker for second place with seven wins to Verstappen's six. "Of course it hurts. But actually I found it quite easy just to move on," Norris said, reflecting on the setback. He added, "I feel as relaxed as I was before, when I was 35 points behind (Piastri), and I feel the same when I’m 24 points ahead. That’s my strength for now."
Verstappen, the 28-year-old Dutch powerhouse chasing a fifth consecutive title, has mounted a fierce comeback in recent weeks. His victory in Las Vegas, coupled with the McLarens' disqualification, reignited his championship hopes. With 69 career wins, he ranks third all-time behind Michael Schumacher's 91 and Lewis Hamilton's 105. The Red Bull driver has dominated Qatar, winning the last two editions, and boasts four victories in the past five Abu Dhabi Grands Prix, site of the season finale next Sunday.
Despite his prowess, Verstappen downplayed the sprint format, which he generally dislikes, but remains optimistic. "Ready. See what happens," he said. "Yes, it is closer (than expected). Ideally I would have loved to have had it even more close. All in, and hopefully we can make it exciting to the end." His late-season charge has positioned him as a legitimate threat, especially with the sprint race potentially tilting the balance early.
Piastri, who last won on August 31 at the Dutch Grand Prix, has struggled lately, managing no podiums in his past six outings. The penalty in Vegas actually narrowed his gap to Norris from six points to zero in that race's aftermath, but his overall form has cooled. "There’s still a chance," Piastri acknowledged. "I also know that it’s a bit of an outside shot." As McLaren's internal rivalry intensifies, the team must navigate the Qatar challenges without further missteps.
Beyond the title fight, the Qatar weekend underscores broader technical and safety concerns in F1. The skid block rule, intended to ensure cars don't run too low to the ground for aerodynamic advantage, has been a flashpoint. In Vegas, late-night drama unfolded as FIA officials summoned McLaren after the race, measuring the plank wear and deeming both cars non-compliant. This incident echoes past controversies, reminding teams of the fine line between performance and regulation.
Meanwhile, Ferrari enters the final stretch under scrutiny from executive chairman John Elkann, who has criticized the team's inconsistent season. Charles Leclerc, the Monegasque driver, leads the Scuderia's charge in fifth place with 226 points but has yet to win a race this year, despite three victories in 2024. He holds a commanding 7-0 podium edge over teammate Lewis Hamilton.
Hamilton, the seven-time champion now in his debut Ferrari season at age 40, has endured a frustrating campaign. His only win came in a sprint race in China in March, and overall, he's secured just two victories in four seasons. In Vegas, he qualified a career-worst 20th and vented his dismay afterward. "I feel terrible. Terrible," Hamilton said. "No matter how much I try, it just keeps getting worse."
The Briton's radio exchanges with Ferrari race engineer Ricciardo Adami have occasionally turned terse, as in the Miami Grand Prix in May when Hamilton sarcastically quipped, “have a tea break while you’re at it.” Team principal Frédéric Vasseur urged calm, telling Hamilton to “calm down and be focused on the next two races.” Hamilton later clarified his Vegas comments as “in the heat of frustration.” Currently sixth with 152 points, he's only 15 ahead of 19-year-old Kimi Antonelli, his eventual Mercedes replacement.
Leclerc's steadier results contrast Hamilton's woes, positioning Ferrari for a potential constructors' podium finish if they capitalize in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. The Italian squad's season has been marked by flashes of brilliance overshadowed by reliability issues and strategic errors, drawing Elkann's pointed remarks.
As the grid prepares for Qatar's unique night race under the desert stars, the focus remains on the drivers' title. Norris's composure could prove decisive, but Verstappen's experience and Piastri's hunger keep the outcome uncertain. With Abu Dhabi looming as the decider, any slip-up in Lusail could extend the drama to the finale. McLaren's Vegas penalty, while painful, hasn't derailed Norris entirely, but it serves as a stark reminder of how technical compliance can swing championships.
The Qatar Grand Prix, first held in 2021, has become a staple of F1's Middle East swing, known for its fast, flowing layout that rewards bold overtaking. This year's event, the 21st of 24 races, amplifies the season's narrative of redemption and rivalry. Verstappen's pursuit of history, Norris's breakthrough bid, and Piastri's underdog story promise fireworks, even as tire management and pit strategy dominate team briefings.
Looking ahead, the Abu Dhabi finale on the Yas Marina Circuit will host the coronation—or continuation—of the 2025 champion. For Norris, a strong Qatar showing could end the suspense early, allowing him to savor his achievement. Yet, with Verstappen's track record there and Piastri's potential to pounce, the title remains very much in play. F1's global audience braces for what could be one of the most thrilling conclusions in years.