James Hinchliffe says Lando Norris’ Las Vegas Grand Prix start proves he’s now a different driver

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Lando Norris did just about everything he could within his power to help his 2025 Formula 1 title push at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Initially, he extended his lead in the drivers’ championship to 30 points, but a shock post-race disqualification reduced the deficit once more.

McLaren made a critical error that could end up costing them dearly in a few weeks. They have opened the door for Max Verstappen to apply pressure.

But there’s also the chance that Norris can seal his maiden title in advance of the season-closer in Abu Dhabi. He just needs to outscore his two main rivals by two or more points in Qatar.

McLaren’s car is now ‘compromised’ in Qatar as they will have to be more conservative with their setups to avoid being stripped of points again.

Having been sublime since the summer break, Norris has proved why he deserves to be F1 champion, and is within touching distance of the finish line. He just needs one more solid weekend, and the trophy is his.

READ MORE: Max Verstappen shares what Red Bull must now do to beat Lando Norris in the F1 title race

James Hinchcliffe thinks Lando Norris’ Las Vegas Grand Prix defence was ‘great’

Norris found his disqualification ‘frustrating’, as he was the only real loser in the situation. It gives him a little more work to do over the next few weeks.

Having a third car in the battle complicates things a little for McLaren. Norris and Piastri are in a ‘horrible’ period, and they have to cope with one of the greatest drivers of all time.

But it’s the British driver’s approach to racing which encouraged and pleased James Hinchcliffe at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, following a feisty start.

“I actually look at it the other way,” he said on F1 TV’s post-race show. “I think if anything, the times when we, I hate to use the word vertical, but maybe had some comments about Lando’s starts. It’s almost that he has been too conservative.

“He’s a championship leader, he’s got more to lose than anybody, and he did a super aggressive move to defend. He got it a little bit wrong. That happens.

“I like that he went for that aggressive chop on Max. A little bit of a lesson learned, but I think it was great that he was bold enough to give it a [go].”

READ MORE: Helmut Marko ‘surprised’ by what he saw Lando Norris do at the Las Vegas Grand Prix

Why McLaren will have been so disappointed with themselves leaving Las Vegas

With the races coming thick and fast over the triple header, it’s important to avoid dwelling on any single result for too long.

However, there are lessons to be learned this time. McLaren’s 60-race streak of having at least one car in the points just came to an end.

Norris has made a ‘really impressive’ change, and his confidence has come back after navigating a tricky period to start the year.

Now, it feels like Piastri is out of the fight, and Norris may be left to fend for himself against Verstappen. It’s going to be fascinating for fans to watch.