Lando Norris can secure his first Formula One world championship today at the Qatar Grand Prix, despite a qualifying mistake that handed pole position to teammate Oscar Piastri. The 26-year-old Englishman holds a 22-point lead with 50 points still available in the season.
Piastri won Saturday's sprint race at the Lusail International Circuit, with Mercedes driver George Russell finishing second in the 19-lap dash. Norris came third, while Max Verstappen finished fourth. The sprint result tightened the championship battle significantly ahead of Sunday's main race.
Championship scenarios
Norris will be crowned champion if he wins the Grand Prix, regardless of where Piastri or Verstappen finish. The race winner receives 25 points, with 18 for second place and 15 for third.
The McLaren driver can also clinch the title by outscoring Piastri by four points and finishing ahead of Verstappen in any position. A second-place finish would be enough if Piastri finishes fourth or lower, assuming Verstappen finishes behind Norris. Third place works if Piastri finishes sixth or lower.
Even an eighth-place finish would secure the championship if both Piastri and Verstappen fail to score points by finishing outside the top ten.
Las Vegas setback
Norris's championship lead was reduced after both McLaren drivers were disqualified from the Las Vegas race. The FIA investigation found that skid blocks underneath both cars were worn out too much. Norris missed out on 18 points from his initial second-place finish, causing his lead to shrink from 30 to 24 points.
The disqualification allowed Verstappen to draw level with Piastri in the standings, setting up today's three-way title fight. Verstappen currently trails Norris by 25 points.
Title race finale
If Norris does not meet the championship conditions today, the title battle will extend to the season finale in Abu Dhabi next weekend. Both Piastri and Verstappen must stay within 25 points of Norris to keep their championship hopes alive for the final race.
The championship would end Verstappen's four-year reign as world champion.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
