Ralf Schumacher tells McLaren what ‘must not happen’ now for Lando Norris to secure the F1 title

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Lando Norris’ title hopes took a hit after McLaren’s double disqualification from the Las Vegas Grand Prix, and Max Verstappen is well and truly back in contention for a fifth consecutive title.

As the chequered flag fell on the Las Vegas Strip, Lando Norris’ P2 finish looked to have been the best possible result in order to limit the damage that Max Verstappen’s victory had inflicted on his title hopes.

However, hours after the podium ceremony had concluded, both McLaren cars were disqualified from the classification after the underbody planks on their MCL39s were deemed to have borne too much wear and tear.

The result put Verstappen level on points with long-time championship leader Oscar Piastri, as well as just 24 points within the reach of Norris.

It has been a staggering comeback by the Dutchman, who trailed Piastri by 104 points following the conclusion of his home Grand Prix in Zandvoort, just eight rounds ago.

READ MORE: McLaren’s car is now ‘compromised’ for the Qatar Grand Prix after Las Vegas disqualifications

Ralf Schumacher tells McLaren that they now need to prioritise Lando Norris over Oscar Piastri in the title fight

Norris still has the upper hand in the title fight, and he could still clinch it at the penultimate round of racing in Qatar.

According to Ralf Schumacher, the British constructor must now prioritise the 26-year-old in order to make sure that the drivers’ championship makes its way back to Woking, instead of returning to Milton Keynes for the fifth successive year with Verstappen.

In a recent interview with RTL, via Sport, the former F1 driver outlined the steps that Zak Brown and Andrea Stella must take to ensure that McLaren celebrate their first drivers’ title feat since 2008, saying, “What of course must not happen now between the two teammates is the Papaya Rules.

“I’m curious to see what happens. In my view, Norris should now be given priority, and Piastri needs to support him.”

The topic of McLaren’s team orders has been a controversial one as the season has progressed. F1 fans made their feelings clear about it after Norris was booed on the podium following his wins in Mexico City and Sao Paulo.

Previously, Schumacher suggested that McLaren prioritise Piastri in the title fight due to the ever-present threat of Verstappen.

Now that the championship momentum is in favour of his McLaren counterpart, the German pundit believes the onus is now on them to make sure they secure the title properly, no matter what it takes.

READ MORE: Oscar Piastri now can’t be ruled out of F1 title race after finding new ‘confidence’ in Las Vegas

Ralf Schumacher believes Lando Norris will secure the drivers’ title at the upcoming Qatar Grand Prix

In addition to his advice regarding the team dynamic within the McLaren ranks, Schumacher also issued a verdict on the upcoming Qatar Grand Prix, where Norris will be given his first opportunity to secure the 2025 title.

He said, “Personally, I believe there’s a very good chance it will be decided in Qatar in favour of McLaren.

“Max can be quick there, but McLaren, with the conditions of warmer temperatures, I believe, can be significantly stronger than it was [in Las Vegas].

“That was hard for them last year, but they have caught up now. Accordingly, I am happy for Max, but I don’t think it will happen this year.”

Sitting on a 24-point advantage over both of his title rivals, Norris needs to outscore Piastri and Verstappen by just two points over the course of the race weekend.

With the Qatar Grand Prix serving as the last Sprint weekend of the season, it means that there are a few more points up for grabs in Lusail.