Lando Norris told Max Verstappen’s ‘crucial’ advantage cannot be ‘underestimated’ in F1 title fight

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Rene Arnoux thinks it is “easy” to expect McLaren star Lando Norris will win the 2025 F1 drivers’ championship now, but he cannot write Red Bull rival Max Verstappen off.

The 2025 F1 season is entering its final stages with 24 points now separating Norris atop the standings from his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri and Red Bull star Verstappen behind. He can even win the title with a round spare by outscoring his rivals by only two points in Qatar.

Norris would win the 2025 F1 drivers’ championship in Sunday’s Qatar Grand Prix if he beats whatever Piastri and Verstappen can manage across the F1 Sprint on Saturday plus the main event by two or more points. There will only be 25 points available in Abu Dhabi next week.

The odds, therefore, are very much in Norris’ favour, as the 26-year-old looks to become the first driver to win the title with McLaren since Lewis Hamilton in 2008. Yet McLaren’s double disqualification from the Las Vegas Grand Prix last Sunday hauled Verstappen back into play.

Rene Arnoux cannot crown Lando Norris as the 2025 F1 champion, as Max Verstappen is ‘incredibly lucky’

Verstappen trailed Piastri atop the drivers’ standings by 104 points leaving Zandvoort during round 15/24, thanks in part to Norris retiring from the Dutch Grand Prix. He has even gained from Piastri crashing into Norris in the COTA Sprint, plus from their double DSQ in Las Vegas.

READ MORE: Everything to know about the F1 Qatar Grand Prix, including past winners

Norris would have had more than one hand on the title if he left Las Vegas with the 30-point lead over Piastri and 42-point margin over Verstappen that his P2 was set to return. Now, no matter how much the odds are in Norris’ favour, Arnoux cannot overlook Verstappen’s luck.

Arnoux told Gazzetta dello Sport: “Obviously, he’s starting at a disadvantage, and it’s easy to think that Norris will ultimately be able to take home the title, having such a huge advantage with two races to go.

“However, Max also has something that shouldn’t be underestimated. He’s incredibly lucky. And in a situation like his, having a bit of luck on your side is crucial.”

Rene Arnoux is in awe of Max Verstappen’s ability to ‘make the difference’

Verstappen can also count himself somewhat lucky that Norris did not take better advantage of Piastri crashing in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, or when his McLaren teammate also crashed in qualifying in Baku. Norris botched his Q3 lap in Azerbaijan to qualify P7 and finished in P7.

READ MORE: F1 experts predict the 2025 Qatar GP, including Lando Norris’ title hopes

Norris and Piastri’s disqualifications in Las Vegas have also offered Verstappen a lifeline that ex-Ferrari star Arnoux would not be surprised to see him convert. Arnoux rates the Red Bull ace incredibly highly, and is especially a fan of his ability to bounce back after any setbacks.

Arnoux added: “If anyone can do it, it’s him. In this Formula 1, the difference between one driver and another is all in a few tenths, and those are where he makes the difference.

“He has incredible consistency and an ability to improve throughout the weekend, even when things around him seem to start badly on Friday. Not to mention when racing in the rain. There, he’s the only one capable of winning even from last place.”

Verstappen will need to cash in on his luck at least one more time if the 28-year-old is to win the 2025 championship and join Michael Schumacher as the only driver to win five titles in a row. Norris only needs to stay out of trouble as he should have enough of a lead to win it all.