The 'safety cushion' that could propel Lando Norris to maiden F1 title

After a crushing performance in Brazil, Lando Norris cemented his lead at the top of the drivers' championship - and for the first time placed his destiny in his own hands. 

Norris now has 390 points to the 366 of team-mate and nearest challenger Oscar Piastri, giving him a lead of 24 points with a total of 83 remaining in the season.

This comes from three grands prix in Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi, with Qatar also set to host the sixth and final Sprint race of the season. 

It means that given his lead of 24 points, the mathematics involved means that Norris can now finish second to Piastri in every single race, and still claim the world championship title. 

If Piastri sweeps the remaining points on offer, the Australian will reach a total of 449 points. 

Should Norris finish second in Las Vegas, the Qatar Sprint, Qatar, and in Abu Dhabi to Piastri, he will secure 451 points, beating Piastri by two points. 

If this scenario were to play out, attention would then be placed on the McLaren order at the Italian Grand Prix to Piastri to cede second place to Norris following a slow pit-stop. 

The team decided that after Norris's slow stop to order Piastri to let Norris back through for position, which, after some protestation, he did. 

In doing so, an effective six-point swing between the pair was established, with Norris gaining three points and Piastri losing three in the swap.