Due to the disqualification of both Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri, Verstappen suddenly closed in on both drivers by 25 points after his victory in Las Vegas. And he has reached the same level as Piastri and the gap between the two is 24 points behind Norris.
Max Verstappen has at least one advantage over Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri: ‘I do it my way’
There are still two Grand Prix to go, in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. And there are still 58 points to be earned, because there is also a sprint race scheduled for Saturday in Qatar this weekend, Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m.
Experience expert about Red Bull comebacks: ‘If Max Verstappen becomes champion again, that would be an even greater miracle’
Of the three drivers who still have a chance to win the title, Norris is the only one who can become champion next Sunday in Doha. Then his lead over Verstappen and Piastri must be at least 26 points after that race.
Formula 1 times Qatar Grand Prix: this is when Max Verstappen will be in action today during the final sprint weekend
To end the sublime catch-up race with the world title, three victories for Verstappen are certainly very welcome. If Norris finishes second twice (including during the sprint race) and does not finish better than sixth place during one GP, Verstappen will be world champion for the fifth time. For Norris it could happen this weekend. If he stays ahead of Verstappen and Piastri by at least two points, the McLaren driver will win his first world title.
Points per Grand Prix
Winner – 25 points
Number 2 – 18 points
Number 3 – 15 points
Number 4 – 12 points
Number 5 – 10 points
Number 6 – 8 points
Number 7 – 6 points
Number 8 – 4 points
Number 9 – 2 points
Number 10 – 1 point
Points per sprint race
Winner – 8 points
Number 2 – 7 points
Number 3 – 6 points
Number 4 – 5 points
Number 5 – 4 points
Number 6 – 3 points
Number 7 – 2 points
Number 8 – 1 point