Championship tension rises as Qatar weekend looms for Verstappen, Norris and Piastri

November 26, 2025 Oliver Obel

Norris had believed he extended his lead after finishing second in Las Vegas on Sunday. But both McLaren cars were later excluded for a technical breach involving excessive skid-block wear—a ruling that erased his result and brought his two closest challengers back within reach.

According to FIA standings published Monday, Norris now leads by 24 points over both Piastri and Verstappen, with 58 points still on the table across this weekend’s sprint and Sunday’s Grand Prix, followed by the season finale in Abu Dhabi on December 7.

Engine-Change Penalties loom over title fight

A significant factor hanging over all three contenders is the threat of a grid penalty if any of them are forced to change power-unit components. Under current regulations, drivers are allotted four power units per season.

As reported by the BBC, both McLaren drivers—and Verstappen—would automatically receive a penalty should they require another engine change. Verstappen has already exceeded his allocation earlier this season, prompting a pit-lane start in Brazil after surpassing limits on several components.

Teams typically avoid revealing engine or gearbox plans ahead of time, and with only two races left, they are expected to take penalties only if reliability becomes a serious concern. Engineers generally prefer to serve such penalties at circuits where overtaking is easier—a luxury Qatar does not offer.

Qatar not suited for recovery drives

Lusail’s layout offers fewer clean overtaking opportunities than other late-season venues. Organizers even shortened last year’s DRS zone on the main straight, further reducing drivers’ chances to move forward from the back.

This year’s Grand Prix will feature another variable: Pirelli’s mandatory two-stop rule. Each set of tyres is limited to a maximum of 25 laps, meaning no driver can attempt a one-stop strategy in the 57-lap race. The restriction will not apply to Saturday’s 19-lap sprint.

Momentum and pressure split among contenders

Despite the Las Vegas setback, Norris remains the statistical favorite. He can secure his first world title if he outscores both Piastri and Verstappen by at least two points this weekend. McLaren also expects the return to high-speed conditions at Lusail to suit its car better than the uncharacteristically cold temperatures encountered in Las Vegas.

Verstappen, meanwhile, kept his hopes alive with victory in Nevada and will aim to close the gap again in Qatar as he pursues what would be a record-equalling fifth consecutive championship. Only Michael Schumacher has ever achieved the feat.

Piastri, who opened the year with 14 podiums and seven wins in the first 16 rounds, is seeking to halt a recent dip in form and carry his challenge into Abu Dhabi.

Sources: BBC, Reuters, AP