Overview
- Lando Norris holds a 24-point advantage over Oscar Piastri with three rounds left, including a Qatar Sprint that offers additional points.
- The championship cannot be decided in Las Vegas, and Max Verstappen remains mathematically in contention behind the McLaren pair.
- Norris cautions that the Strip Circuit could highlight McLaren vulnerabilities seen last year, citing graining and forecast cool temperatures.
- Oscar Piastri says his relationship with Norris is “better than ever,” even as a podium drought since Monza has prompted outside critiques and Guenther Steiner’s suggestion he consider leaving if he misses the title.
- Team boss Andrea Stella lauds an exceptionally competitive driver era, and CEO Zak Brown says McLaren will stick to its processes rather than react emotionally in the final stretch.