Name: Norris closes in on first title as Verstappen gains ground in Qatar
Uploaded: 2025-11-28T09:20:42.506Z
Duration: 1 min 13 s
Description: Lando Norris arrives in Qatar leading the championship by 24 points, with his first title within reach despite a recent setback. Max Verstappen has narrowed the gap after a series of wins, intensifying the title race.

Lando Norris arrives in Qatar leading the championship by 24 points, with his first title within reach despite a recent setback. Max Verstappen has narrowed the gap after a series of wins, intensifying the title race.

Doha

Lando Norris enters the Qatar Grand Prix with a 24-point lead in the championship, needing only two more points than his rivals to secure his first title. The gap was reduced following McLaren's disqualification in Las Vegas due to a minor technical breach, which Norris described as frustrating but remains optimistic about the upcoming race.

Max Verstappen has closed the points gap significantly after winning four races since trailing by 104 points, increasing the pressure on Norris. Both drivers acknowledge the closeness of the title race, with Norris focused on maintaining his lead and Verstappen building momentum.

Norris closes in on first title as Verstappen gains ground in Qatar

Lando Norris arrives in Qatar with destiny in his hands. 24 points clear. His first title within touching distance. You know, I've never been in this situation before, but I'm excited. I think it's exciting for everyone. I think I certainly would have liked to have the 30 point gap instead of 24. That gap narrowed after McLaren's brutal Vegas disqualification. Both cars thrown out for a piece of paper's worth of technical breach. Everyone in the team was a bit, you know, gutted about the result because there's a lot of effort that goes into it. So yeah, it's the same for everyone, but like 0.1 millimeters or whatever, you know, it's like a piece of paper. So it was frustrating, but actually I was quite okay. I'm just excited to go again this weekend. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen lurks. Four wins since trailing by 104 points. Momentum building. See what happens. Yeah, I mean, it's the same. I mean, I feel exactly the same as last week. Yes, it's closer. Ideally, I would have loved to have it a bit closer, but it's still open. Two points. That's all Norris needs more than his rivals this weekend to claim the crown.

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