Lando Norris has the opportunity to secure his first championship title during the upcoming sprint weekend in Qatar. The British driver leads the standings with a 24-point advantage over both Max Verstappen and teammate Oscar Piastri. As such, he could decide the title race at the Losail International Circuit.
As mentioned, the gap between Norris and his rivals Verstappen and Piastri is a mere 24 points. Following the GP in Las Vegas, the differences were initially larger, but both Norris and Piastri were disqualified. The so-called skid block under both cars was excessively worn due to excessive porpoising. As a result, both McLaren drivers left empty-handed. Nevertheless, Norris can still become champion during the sprint weekend in Qatar.
How can Lando Norris become champion in Qatar?
After Qatar, the Formula 1 circus travels to Abu Dhabi for the season finale at Yas Marina, a regular race weekend where a maximum of 25 points can be earned. Given that the difference between Norris and his rivals remains 24 points, he will become champion if he scores two points more than both Verstappen and Piastri in Qatar.
The task seems simple: finish ahead of Verstappen and Piastri and collect as many points as possible. Since Qatar is a sprint weekend, the Brit can score points on two days. However, he cannot win the championship on Saturday, as the margin is too small. But even if Norris finishes the sprint race in a modest sixth place, he can still clinch the title with a victory on Sunday, regardless of where Verstappen and Piastri finish. Will the Brit dethrone his Dutch rival? Only time will tell.
