Prior to McLaren’s double-disqualification from the Las Vegas GP, Norris was in a very comfortable position in the standings. The British driver would have had a 30 point over Oscar Piastri without the DSQ, a huge cushion with just two rounds to go.
Of course, excessive skid plank wear has changed the equation in this year’s title battle. Piastri and Verstappen are both 24 points behind Norris, adding a series of intriguing possibilities for this weekend.
There is no denying that Norris has been on the ascendance since his Zandvoort DNF, especially in relation to teammate Piastri.
Perhaps because of this strong form, the British driver says he is not especially frustrated or upset with seeing his Championship lead diminished after the FIA’s verdict last Sunday.
Norris reflects on Las Vegas Disqualification
The Las Vegas GP was another crucial chapter in this year’s title battle. Prior to lights out, it was clear that Max Verstappen needed to gain a significant number of points to stay with a realistic chance of fighting for the title.
For Oscar Piastri, finishing ahead of Norris was also critical – at least to keep himself within touching distance with two rounds to go.
Initially, it appeared neither of these things would transpire. Verstappen’s victory was not enough to take a big chunk away from Norris’ advantage, with the British driver claiming a solid second. Piastri, meanwhile, found himself outside of the podium and once again losing ground to his teammate.
Because of this, McLaren’s illegal skid wear has immense Championship implications. Both Verstappen and Piastri’s title hopes have been given a lifeline, though there is still no margin for error this weekend.
When speaking to the media in Qatar, Norris was relaxed about the situation:
“I think from what I had to do in the race, there was already some expectation that it might happen so it wasn’t a shock or a surprise.
“We knew we were having a lot more issues than we ever expected during the race. Maybe it would have hurt more if we won the race, but we didn’t so it doesn’t change anything. There’s no point being too sad about it.
“Of course, everyone in the team was a bit gutted about the result because there’s a lot of effort that goes into it.
“It was frustrating, but actually I was quite okay. I’m just excited to go again this weekend. It doesn’t change anything. I want to try and win here in Qatar and I want to try and win in Abu Dhabi. It sucks, but that’s life sometimes.”
A critical weekend in Qatar
Since Qatar is Sprint weekend this year, there will be even more Championship calculations than usual over the next 72 hours.
For Verstappen and Piastri, finishing ahead of Norris in the Sprint Race is essential. Should the British driver gain any more ground before Sunday’s race, his title hopes will only rise. Extending his 24 point advantage to anything over 25 points after Sunday will give Norris a first drivers title.
In this sense, it is essential for the 26-year-old’s title rivals to set the tone.
For Norris, meanwhile, there is some margin for error this weekend. Assuming he avoids a retirement and finishes in the point, he should remain the Championship leader heading into Abu Dhabi.
Inevitably, though, the #4 car would much rather have the world title in his hands before the last round.
Main photo: Andrew Ferraro/LAT Images (McLaren Media Gallery)