Fans have every reason to be excited about the remainder of the 2025 Formula 1 season with the title yet to be decided.
The extent of McLaren’s advantage at the top of the pack would suggest that they should have been close to, or already had, the title wrapped up by now.
But, they’re facing the formidable Max Verstappen, who just won’t give up on winning a fifth consecutive Formula 1 title.
Lando Norris remains the clear favourite, but there’s a lot of work to do before he claims a maiden championship. Oscar Piastri cannot be ruled out either.
Zak Brown’s latest advice could define the title fight, and the Woking-based outfit have been wary of the lingering threat of Red Bull all season. They know it isn’t over until it’s mathematically over.
McLaren need to rethink their Piastri approach after a downturn in form. It feels like he’s currently the outsider in the race.
Max Verstappen now has a crucial setup advantage over Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in Qatar
McLaren’s shock double disqualification was the story of the weekend at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, and the only real loser from it was Norris.
A Red Bull error cost Verstappen pole on Saturday, but he bounced back on Sunday and won in dominant style. Losing second and fourth place still hurt their competitors, though.
The rest of the top 10 were tested for skid plank wear in Vegas, and it was determined that McLaren were the only ones who fell foul of the rules.
It means that they were too aggressive with their car setup, and ultimately, gained an advantage from it in the corners. The only provision in the regulations was to remove them from the classification of the race.
With that in mind, they’re going to have to be far more cautious in Qatar, which could cost them tenths of a second per lap. Verstappen needs a win at the very least, and that helps his cause without doubt.
Verstappen’s attitude changed at Red Bull this summer, after ex-boss Christian Horner was fired following a difficult spell of form. Now, the team is firing on all cylinders again and is a real threat.
Why the 2025 F1 season hinges on Lando Norris’ Qatar Grand Prix performance
The 2025 title fight could be resolved as soon as Qatar, if Norris manages to outscore both Verstappen and Piastri by two or more points throughout the weekend.
It’s a sprint, which adds complications, such as only having one practice session to perfect the setup. That caused McLaren to be extra cautious in Texas a few weeks ago, and no doubt will again after their Vegas mishap.
Norris will know that winning Sunday’s Grand Prix should make him the champion. It’s the biggest race of his career so far.
Verstappen has nothing to lose and everything to gain. Given how aggressive Norris was at the start in Vegas, expect much of the same and maybe worse from his competitor in Qatar.
READ MORE: Max Verstappen addresses Red Bull’s roadmap to beat Lando Norris in F1 fight
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