Lando Norris can secure the 2025 F1 drivers' title in the Qatar Grand Prix, despite having seen his advantage decrease in the final Sprint race of the season.
McLaren's Oscar Piastri converted sprint pole into sprint victory with ease, whilst Norris finished in third – George Russell split the duo.
Max Verstappen started in sixth at the Lusail International Circuit but progressed to finish in fourth, although he has slipped to 25 points behind Norris.
It is now a simple scenario for Norris in the penultimate race of the season, for him to already be crowned as world champion before the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
If Norris wins the Qatar GP, he will claim the world title, regardless of where Piastri and Verstappen finish.
If Norris fails to win the penultimate round of the season, then he must out score Piastri by four points and not finish behind Verstappen. If this happens, Norris will become world champion.
Likewise, if Piastri and Verstappen fail to score a point, Norris can secure the title by finishing in eighth position.
If Norris out scores Piastri by three points in Qatar, the latter can still become world champion in Abu Dhabi.
Should Piastri enter the season finale 25 points behind Norris and win at the Yas Marina Circuit, he would become world champion if his team-mate fails to score a point as it would put him on eight victories, compared to Norris' seven.
With that in mind, Norris needs a 26-point advantage over Piastri after the Qatar GP to become world champion should he not win in Lusail.
If Norris fails to score a point, Piastri can lead the title going into the season finale if he claims victory in Qatar.
Points after Qatar Sprint
| Pos. | Driver | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lando Norris | 396 |
| 2 | Oscar Piastri | 374 |
| 3 | Max Verstappen | 371 |
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