How Norris can keep his title hopes alive in Las Vegas

Max Verstappen’s other-worldly drive at the 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix has put him within touching distance of a fourth title in as many years, but there’s still one driver who can stop him: Lando Norris.

Having spent much of the season whittling away at Max’s points advantage, piece by incremental piece, it looked as if Lando might do enough to take the title fight all the way down to the wire.

That was until Round 21 and the season-defining race at the Interlagos Circuit. The Dutchman was faultless in treacherous conditions, surging from the back of the grid to take the win, while the Brit failed to convert pole position and ended up a dejected sixth.

This weekend’s Las Vegas Grand Prix presents Verstappen with his first opportunity to wrap up the championship, and the odds are certainly stacked in his favour. There is a chance though, however slim, for Norris to keep the fight going until the penultimate round in Qatar.

How many points are still up for grabs? 

With three Grand Prix and one Sprint Race remaining, there are a total of 86 points still on the table heading into the Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend. The key number to keep in mind, however, is the remaining points after the chequered flag has fallen on the strip.

Just 60 points will be left to play for in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, and with 62 points separating Verstappen and Norris in the standings, the margins are incredibly fine, and the stakes high around the ultra-fast Las Vegas Strip Circuit.

How Lando can keep the championship going to Qatar

To keep any hopes of a maiden title alive, one of three main scenarios needs to play out for Norris. The first is to outscore Verstappen by at least three points; that would bring the gap down to 59 points between the pair.

A race win would also keep the McLaren driver in the hunt, regardless of where Max finished. Finally, if Verstappen were to DNF or suffer a non-score, Lando would only have to finish ninth – with the point for fastest lap – or higher to stay in contention.

How can Verstappen become champion in Las Vegas? 

For Verstappen, he merely has to finish ahead of Norris to become a quadruple F1 champion. Sounds simple enough, but that’s a feat he’s achieved just twice in the seven Grand Prix since the summer break.

If Lando does finish ahead of Max, the Brit’s points gain can’t be more than two if the Dutchman is to claim the title on the streets of Vegas. The last, and most unlikely scenario in which Verstappen becomes champion would be if both drivers failed to score, which hasn’t happened all season.