Nov 21, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; McLaren driver Lando Norris (4) reacts after qualifying pole position for the Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas Strip Circuit. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Lando Norris is entering the Qatar Grand Prix with a 24-point lead over Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri; however, it could have been more. Norris and Piastri were disqualified due to excessive plank wear in Las Vegas, trimming the McLaren driver's points lead. So, how can the driver of the No. 4 car clinch the 2025 Formula 1 championship in Qatar?

With Qatar being a Sprint weekend, there will be 33 points available on Saturday and Sunday. If Norris can leave Qatar with two more total points than Verstappen and Piastri, he will win the 2025 Formula 1 championship. If not, Norris will take his less than one-race points lead into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

Norris was in a better position to clinch the Formula 1 title in Qatar before the disqualification, but the room for a significant error is gone. If the McLaren driver has an issue in Qatar, the point standings will be very tight. Norris is still the championship favorite, but the pressure is officially on McLaren with Verstappen coming fast.

This article originally appeared on Motorsports Wire: How Lando Norris can clinch the 2025 Formula 1 championship in Qatar

Reporting by Austin Konenski, Motorsports Wire / Motorsports Wire

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