Lando Norris’ F1 title chances at Las Vegas Grand Prix | F1 | Sport

Lando Norris is inching closer to his maiden Formula One World Championship title after a dominant run of form. The British driver is leading the pack with team-mate Oscar Piastri following close behind.

Norris has been in imperious nick since the Italian Grand Prix, reeling in and then overtaking the Australian in the standings. He now sits comfortably ahead of his colleague, whose own performances have spiralled since Azerbaijan. Norris also looks to have seen off the threat of current F1 champion Max Verstappen, who is now 49 points adrift with three races remaining.

The trio now head back to the United States for the third time this season, with a moutherwatering Las Vegas Grand Prix in prospect. But can Norris win the title this weekend in Nevada? Here, we take a look at the permutations.

Can Lando Norris win the F1 World Championship in Las Vegas?

The short answer is no, Norris is unable to clinch his maiden world championship at the Las Vegas GP. Even if the Brit did win the Grand Prix and Piastri didn’t score, the gap still wouldn’t be big enough.

This is because Norris would increase his lead at the top of the standings to 49 points should this scenario unfold, and 58 points are still available after Las Vegas. All three drivers – Norris, Piastri and Verstappen – are still mathematically in with a chance to win the crown.

How many points are still up for grabs?

The maximum points score still available across the final three races is 83 points. A driver would only score this if they won every Grand Prix left on the calendar as well as the final sprint of the season in Qatar.

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When could Lando Norris lift the world championship?

Norris could claim his first-ever F1 world championship title at the Qatar Sprint. If he won the Las Vegas GP and Piastri didn’t score, then the 26-year-old would only require two more points to guarantee the title.

This would require Norris to cross the Sprint finish line in at least seventh place. All three drivers are still in with a chance of winning but former F1 champion Damon Hill is ‘rooting’ for the McLaren star to achieve his dream.

Hill said: “He’s found something, hasn’t he? And it’s been perfect timing. It’s come at a time when Oscar suddenly looks a bit forlorn, a bit under pressure. They’re both learning about fighting for a World Championship… It’s not the same as just driving.

“It becomes a discipline, really, a mental and psychological discipline which is quite demanding. That’s what the goal is: To find out who’s got the right stuff and who hasn’t. Lando is world champion material, he’s already shown that this year. Yes, there was a time when he went missing, but he’s definitely back with a vengeance now, so it’s looking good for him.

“From a patriotic point of view, of course we’re rooting for Lando – keep it in the family a little bit! We’ve got a great record in this country of world champions. We always seem to be able to produce a new one. If one of us withers, then there’s another one waiting.”