Lando Norris, Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri are set for an epic Formula 1 title decider after Verstappen put things in motion for McLaren by winning the Qatar Grand Prix.
Verstappen took advantage of a questionable strategy call from McLaren to claim victory from third on the grid, with Piastri second and Norris fourth behind the Williams of Carlos Sainz.
It means the title race heads to the Abu Dhabi GP Final at Yas Marina next weekend, with three drivers having a chance to claim the championship for the first time since 2010.
What is the Current Status?
Norris remains the favourite, although a comfortable 30-point lead over Piastri and 42-point lead over Verstappen pre-double DQ in Las Vegas has been reduced.
After a disappointing weekend for Norris in Qatar – Piastri won the sprint race and Verstappen won the main event – Norris is 12 points ahead of Verstappen, and 16 points ahead of his teammate Piastri.
Here’s how these three are faring in the season-ende.
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Norris – 408 points
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Verstappen – 396 points
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Piastri – 392 points
There are 25 points up for grabs in Abu Dhabi…
How can Norris win the F1 title?
Before we explain what happens if drivers are level on points, let’s go over the basics.
Verstappen will win his first world championship if Norris doesn’t beat him by 13 pointsAnd Piastri till 17,
Since 25 points are available for victory, 18 for second place and 15 for third place — If Norris finishes on the podium he will be crowned champion Regardless of what its rivals are doing.
so…
If Norris wins Abu Dhabi GP: he wins the title
If Norris finishes second: he wins the title
If Norris finishes third:he wins the title
If Norris finishes fourth:he wins the title If Verstappen does not win the race
If Norris finished 5th: he wins the title If Verstappen does not win the race
If Norris finishes sixth: he wins the title if none Verstappen and Piastri won the race
If Norris finished 7th: he wins the title if none Verstappen and Piastri won the race
If Norris finished 8th: he wins the title If Verstappen finished third or lower And Piastri does not win the race
If Norris finished 9th: he wins the title If Verstappen finished fourth or lower And Piastri does not win the race
If Norris goes 10th: he wins the title If Verstappen finished fourth or lower And Piastri finished third or lower
If Norris finishes outside the points: he wins the title If Verstappen finished fourth or lower And Piastri finished third or lower
So nice and simple!
How can Verstappen win the F1 title?
Verstappen, who was never considered a contender in this battle, has suddenly become Norris’ main threat. But the odds are still against the Dutchman, who is aiming for a fifth consecutive driver’s title.
The Red Bull driver will likely have to win Sunday’s race, and Norris will hopefully reach the podium.
If Verstappen doesn’t win the race, he’ll have to give Norris a nightmare – and hope Piastri doesn’t overtake him by five points.
so…
If Verstappen wins Abu Dhabi GP: he wins the title If Norris finished fourth or lower
If Verstappen finishes second: he wins the title If Norris finished 8th or lower And Piastri does not win the race
If Verstappen finished third: he wins the title If Norris finished 9th or lower And Piastri does not win the race
If Verstappen finishes fourth or lower he cannot win the title.
How can Piastri win the F1 title?
An outside shot for the Australian – he has to finish at least second at Yas Marina, and will be hoping for a lot of help.
If Piastri wins Abu Dhabi GP: he wins the title If Norris finished sixth or lower
If Piastri finished second: he wins the title If Norris finished 10th or lower And Verstappen finished fourth or lower
If Piastri finishes third or lower he cannot win the title.
What if there is a tie at the top?
There are a few scenarios where two drivers finish level on the points – such as Verstappen in second place (scoring 414 points) and Norris in seventh – but these all work out in the British driver’s favor.
Norris, Verstappen and Piastri are tied for races won this year (seven), so the tiebreaker goes to a countback for second place.
There, Norris has an advantage of eight points compared to Verstappen’s five and Piastri’s four.
If Verstappen or Piastri win the race, there is no scenario where the drivers finish level, making the race countdown controversial.
