Max Verstappen’s triumph at the Las Vegas Grand Prix on Sunday took a lucrative turn as Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were later disqualified from the race. Norris, who held a 24-point lead over Piastri in the drivers’ standings, now faces a tighter competition from Verstappen, who has closed the gap to 42 points following his victory in Vegas.
The McLaren duo faced disqualification after a post-race inspection revealed that the skid blocks on their cars were too thin to comply with regulations. This unexpected turn of events reshuffled the standings, propelling George Russell to second place and his teammate Kimi Antonelli to third.
Verstappen’s chances of clinching the title have improved, but he still needs Norris to drop significant points in the remaining races. The upcoming Qatar Grand Prix, followed by the season finale in Abu Dhabi, will play a crucial role in determining the championship outcome.
If Verstappen continues his winning streak and Norris falters in the final races, the Red Bull driver could retain his crown. However, any further setbacks for Norris could open up the title race, potentially leading to a tiebreaker based on race wins.
Despite Norris’ strong performances earlier in the season, Verstappen’s recent form has added pressure on the McLaren driver. With only a few rounds remaining, the competition is intensifying as both drivers vie for the coveted championship title.