Disqualification in Las Vegas shrinks Norris’s buffer to 24 points with two rounds left

Lando Norris’s drive for the 2025 Formula 1 world title has taken a dramatic twist after his disqualification from the Las Vegas Grand Prix eliminated what would have been a comfortable lead. Both Norris and his McLaren team mate Oscar Piastri were excluded from the results due to a technical infringement, stripping away the 18 points Norris once banked and shrinking his margin at the top of the standings.

Before the race in Nevada, Norris had looked set to build a commanding advantage. Victory in Sao Paulo had kept his hopes alive, but he knew clinching the title in Las Vegas was unlikely. Instead, all eyes were on the final sprint weekend in Qatar followed by the season finale in Abu Dhabi if needed.

Now, heading into the final two rounds, Norris leads by just 24 points over Piastri and Max Verstappen, both on 366 points. That figure may sound healthy at first, but with 44 points still on offer across the remaining races  including sprint and full Grand Prix events  the championship is once again wide open.

The disqualification has not only reduced his points buffer but has injected a renewed sense of urgency into the title race. Norris last night acknowledged the pressure but insisted he remained focused. He admitted the setback was a blow but emphasised that with two races remaining, nothing has been decided.

The permutations now are clear. If Norris finishes ahead of both rivals in Qatar and collects solid points, he could wrap up the title there. However, a finish outside the top positions or any mechanical trouble would likely push the decision to Abu Dhabi. For Piastri and Verstappen, the door is firmly open. A strong result in Qatar could put them level with or ahead of Norris, forcing the final event to decide the crown.

For Piastri especially, the disqualification of his team mate gives him a second chance. With his zero score from Las Vegas now official, everything hinges on consistency and performance over sprint and full Grand Prix formats. Verstappen, meanwhile, has shown resilience all season. His late charge now positions him as a serious contender if Norris falters.

Critics and pundits have noted the volatility of this championship. What once looked like a straightforward path for Norris has transformed into a minefield. The psychological pressure is mounting. Every pit stop, tyre choice and strategic call will now carry huge weight.

Despite the turmoil, there remains respect for Norris’s season. His performance in Sao Paulo and earlier races proved his speed and tenacity. The fact that he remains top of the table reflects a campaign that has often been collect more than dominate. But now he must deliver under renewed scrutiny.

McLaren’s engineers and staff have reportedly rallied behind him, determined to deliver a flawless pair of races. The team knows this may be their last chance in 2025. Meanwhile, rivals Red Bull and the Mercedes camp watch closely, aware that any mistake by McLaren could shift the balance dramatically.

As the grid prepares to head to Qatar, fans and experts alike speculate whether this will be a coronation or a collapse. The narrative has shifted. What looked like a steady march to the title for Norris has become high-stakes drama.

With two races to go and multiple championship scenarios still alive, the 2025 season promises a dramatic finale. If Norris can hold his nerve and deliver under pressure, he still has a shot at glory. If not, Piastri or Verstappen could snatch the crown in the final laps of the season. Only time and the track will tell