Lando Norris heads into the final three races of the 2025 Formula 1 season with a 24-point lead at the top of the standings.
As Las Vegas approaches, Max Verstappen is seen as a long shot for the title, while Oscar Piastri remains closer but has struggled to gain traction in recent races.
For now, Norris has a firm hold on the championship lead, which has made things much more straightforward for McLaren. Even so, it’s only one retirement or wild race away from becoming very complicated again. That’s just how it goes in this sport.
Piastri still has areas he needs to work on if he wants to close that gap on Sunday, while Norris is starting to grow tired of fan boos that seem to overlook what he’s achieved this season. It’s something that could start wearing him down over time.
Why Norris thinks Las Vegas could cause problems for Piastri
Lando Norris and McLaren haven’t had much luck at the Las Vegas Grand Prix in recent seasons, struggling to adapt to conditions that seem to favour Mercedes and Ferrari.
The circuit’s cold temperatures and smooth tarmac have historically worked against McLaren. Norris, reflecting on his past issues there, told Sky Sports F1: “It’s just very difficult, super low grip. I feel like I could drive a road car quicker than we drive at the minute. Mixed feelings.”
Piastri hasn’t found much consistency in these conditions either. His boss, Andrea Stella, recently called it a ‘red flag’ for his title challenge.
If overtaking opportunities are limited again this year, pushing too hard on low-grip tyres could easily backfire. Both drivers will need to be cautious.
McLaren could feel less heat after the Las Vegas Grand Prix
Verstappen is already 49 points adrift of Norris, and another poor result in Vegas could all but end his title hopes.
Norris would need to outscore him by about nine points, factoring in the sprint race still to come in Qatar.
READ MORE: Red Bull tweak to Verstappen’s car could have changed his Brazilian GP
The ‘brutal’ flaw that once held Norris back seems to have disappeared. Now, he’s producing some of the best performances of his career just when it matters most.
A podium finish would be an outstanding result and move McLaren and Norris within reach of their first drivers’ title together.
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