Lando Norris might have already identified why the Las Vegas GP could be a disaster for Oscar Piastri

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Lando Norris holds a 24-point lead at the top of the 2025 Formula 1 standings with just three races to go.

Heading into the Las Vegas Grand Prix, the Red Bull of Max Verstappen is viewed as more of an outsider for the drivers’ championship. Oscar Piastri is a little more in the fight, but has very little momentum, and has struggled to find form recently.

Overall, Norris is in complete command of the situation, which is probably making McLaren’s life a lot easier than it could be, currently. One retirement or chaotic race could change everything, though. After all, this is Formula 1.

Following his recent shortfalls, Piastri has a new ‘weakness’ to address, which would make his life a lot easier on Sunday. On the other side of the garage, Norris is getting ‘fed up’ of boos from fans who don’t appreciate his performances. It could knock his confidence.

READ MORE: Lando Norris must listen to the advice Sebastian Vettel just offered on how to win his first F1 title

Lando Norris’ ‘super low grip’ admission shows why Oscar Piastri could face Las Vegas Grand Prix disaster

The Las Vegas Grand Prix is a nightmare for Norris and McLaren, because it’s a track that they have struggled at over the last few years. It’s cold and has a smooth surface, which suits their rivals at Mercedes and Ferrari a lot more.

In fact, the Briton crashed there back in 2023 at the inaugural running of the race, and told Sky Sports F1 all about his struggles. He felt that the attributes of the circuit made things ‘very difficult’ for McLaren.

“It’s just very difficult, super low grip. I feel like I could drive a road car quicker than we drive at the minute. Mixed feelings,” said Norris.

If McLaren are going to be slow anyway, then Norris won’t be able to lose too much ground to his main rival – Piastri, in the title fight. In fact, Norris’ super low grip admission could even be a nightmare for the Aussie.

Piastri’s performance on low-grip tracks is a ‘red flag’ according to team boss Andrea Stella, and if there is reduced capacity to make big gains in the championship, having to push harder in a low grip situation could force more errors. Both drivers will need to be careful.

READ MORE: Mark Webber explains why Lando Norris has dealt with F1 title pressure better than Oscar Piastri

How McLaren could face less pressure after the Las Vegas Grand Prix

With Verstappen already being 49 points behind Norris in the title fight, he could be ruled out after Vegas if he has a bad race.

It would need the championship leader to outscore him by around nine points, taking into consideration the possible gains at the Qatar sprint race.

Norris’ ‘brutal’ flaw has disappeared, and now he’s producing some of the best drives of his career when it matters most.

A podium at the next race would be a heroic result, and leave him and his team within touching distance of a first drivers’ title together.