Lando Norris stands on the cusp of securing his first Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship as the penultimate weekend of the 2025 season unfolds in Qatar. The British driver, representing McLaren, holds a 24-point lead over both his teammate Oscar Piastri and reigning world champion Max Verstappen, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown.
Despite his advantageous position, Norris’s path to the title is not assured. He must deliver a strong performance to transform his championship aspirations into reality. Meanwhile, Piastri has made it clear that he will not assist his teammate, harboring hopes of seizing the championship himself.
How Lando Norris Can Secure the Title in Qatar
As the championship leader with 390 points, Norris needs to outscore Piastri and Verstappen by at least two points this weekend. With only one grand prix remaining after Qatar, the maximum points available in the final round are 25. Therefore, a 26-point lead after Qatar would crown Norris as the world champion.
This weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix features both a main race and a sprint race, offering a total of 33 points. Norris’s task is straightforward: finish ahead of his rivals to maintain or extend his lead. If he wins the Qatar Grand Prix and holds a 25-point lead, he will only need to finish 10th or better in Abu Dhabi to secure the title.
If Norris and Piastri end up tied in points after Abu Dhabi, the championship will be decided on countback, with the driver having the most grand prix wins taking the crown.
Currently, Norris and Piastri each have seven wins, while Verstappen has six. A victory in Qatar would give Norris an eighth win, making it impossible for Verstappen to claim the title. If Piastri matches Norris’s points in Abu Dhabi, the countback would favor Norris, who leads in second-place finishes 8-3.
Timing and Viewing Options for the Qatar Grand Prix
The Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix is set to take place on Monday, December 11, in Australia. The race times across the states and territories are as follows:
- 3am AEDT: NSW, ACT, Vic, Tas
- 2:30am ACDT: South Australia
- 2am AEST: Queensland
- 1:30am ACST: Northern Territory
- 12am AWST: Western Australia
Additionally, a sprint race will occur overnight on Saturday, November 29, and Sunday, November 30, depending on the location:
- 1am AEDT, Sunday, November 30: NSW, ACT, Vic, Tas
- 12:30am ACDT, Sunday, November 30: South Australia
- 12am AEST, Sunday, November 30: Queensland
- 11:30pm ACST, Saturday, November 29: Northern Territory
- 10pm AWST, Saturday, November 29: Western Australia
Fans can watch the Qatar Grand Prix on Fox Sports and Kayo, with live coverage available on channel 506 for Foxtel subscribers. Additionally, ABC Sport will provide a live blog starting at 3am AEDT on Monday, December 1, capturing the pre-race excitement and post-race analysis.
Exploring the Lusail International Circuit
The Lusail International Circuit, primarily designed for motorcycle racing, hosted its first MotoGP event in 2004. Known for its fast and flowing layout, the circuit poses a significant challenge to drivers, particularly in its medium to high-speed corners.
Key features include the triple right-hand turns of corners 12 to 14, which test the stability and downforce of Formula 1 cars. The best overtaking opportunity is at turn one, following a straight that extends over 1km.
“The Lusail International Circuit is a fast and flowing track, perfect for bikes but challenging for F1 cars on older tyres,” said a racing analyst.
As the Qatar Grand Prix approaches, the tension in the championship battle intensifies. With Norris on the brink of making history, the upcoming races promise to deliver high drama and excitement for Formula 1 fans worldwide.
