Norris on the Brink: Can He Seal His First F1 World Title in Qatar?
28 November 2025
Race context
Lando Norris, the McLaren driver, says he feels calm ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix, a race that could crown him world champion for the first time in his Formula 1 career.
Norris tops the standings, 24 points clear of his teammate Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen of Red Bull, with one weekend left to decide the title.
If Norris finishes the Doha weekend with two more points than his rivals, he will be world champion on Sunday.
In remarks relayed by BBC, Norris said he feels as relaxed as when he was 35 points behind, and equally comfortable now that he leads by 24.
Outlook and key moments
He has turned an August stumble into the current advantage after a Netherlands win, transforming a 34-point deficit into a championship lead.
Verstappen has reduced the gap dramatically, having trailed by more than 100 points at one stage, with four wins since then.
Norris recalled the same feeling he had before Mexico when he was not leading, and again in Austin when he was strong in the car but Verstappen won.
Piastri has not won since August, while Verstappen has claimed four victories and Norris two.
Both McLaren drivers faced a setback after being excluded from Las Vegas for floor wear; without that, Norris would have entered Qatar 30 points ahead.
Norris said the punishment sting hurt, noting the week’s hard work by mechanics and engineers but that he recovered quickly after a few days' rest.
He will approach the decisive Doha race in the same way as any other, with the team focusing on improvements and staying the course.
Piastri conceded the gap is large and may require luck, but said it is not impossible and that even two strong finishes might not be enough without favorable results elsewhere.
Nevertheless, he remains confident about Qatar, praising the track he enjoyed and on which he earned good results; Las Vegas pace was solid, and he hopes conditions stay favorable here as well.
Beyond the talk of titles, the Qatar weekend will test Norris's consistency, a blend of calm focus, precise pit-work, and the stubborn belief that luck is the wild card in racing.
If the cards fall Norris's way, his season might remember this as the moment a quiet leader finally shouted champion with a victory lap. If not, the drama continues, and so does the joke that the trophy is already on his calendar.
Punchline: If Norris clinches, the trophy will finally need sunscreen—the sun is shining on McLaren.
Punchline: And if not, the drama continues, and the press corps’ patience is still in pole position.
