Norris Extends F1 Championship Lead to 30 Points After Las Vegas Podium

Lando Norris tightened his grip on the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship with a crucial second-place finish at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The McLaren driver now holds a commanding 30-point advantage over his closest rival, teammate Oscar Piastri. With only two races left, Norris is the clear favorite to claim his first-ever drivers’ title.

The result places immense pressure on Piastri, who finished fourth on the night. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen won the race but remains a distant third in the standings. According to Reuters, the championship battle is now Norris’s to lose as the season heads to its climax.

Las Vegas Proves Critical in Title Fight

Norris started the race from pole position but lost ground after a minor error at the first corner. He skillfully managed his race from there, fighting back to secure a valuable 18 points. This consistent podium-finishing form has been the bedrock of his championship campaign.

Piastri could not capitalize on his teammate’s early mistake. He finished a distant fourth, failing to score the maximum points he desperately needed. Verstappen’s victory was impressive but did little to close the substantial gap to the leading McLaren.

Championship Scenarios for the Final Rounds

Norris can now secure the title as early as the next race in Qatar. A single strong result could mathematically eliminate his rivals. The momentum is firmly with the British driver after a series of mature and winning drives.

For Piastri to have any hope, he must win both remaining races and hope Norris scores very few points. This is a tall order given Norris’s current form and the reliability of the McLaren car. The team has already secured the Constructors’ Championship, freeing both drivers to fight for the individual crown.

Lando Norris has one hand on the F1 trophy, and the final two races will decide if he can secure his historic first world championship.

Thought you’d like to know-

How many points does Lando Norris need to win the championship?

Norris needs to outscore Oscar Piastri by just a few points in the next race to clinch the title. His 30-point lead means he does not need to win either of the final two races. Consistency over pure speed is now his primary goal.

Can Max Verstappen still win the 2025 championship?

Mathematically, yes, but it is highly improbable. Verstappen is 42 points behind Norris with only 58 points left available. He would need both McLaren drivers to suffer double non-finances while he wins both remaining races.

What are the remaining races this season?

The season concludes with the Qatar Grand Prix, which includes a Sprint race, followed immediately by the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. These two events will decide the outcome of the 2025 world championship.

Has McLaren already won a championship this year?

Yes. McLaren secured the Constructors’ Championship prior to the Las Vegas race. This means the team has already claimed the title for the best overall team performance based on combined points from both drivers.