The battle for the Formula 1 World Championship has been thrown wide open after a dramatic turn of events at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, with Max Verstappen now just 24 points behind leader Lando Norris.
Las Vegas Shockwaves
The championship landscape was radically altered on Saturday when both McLaren cars were disqualified from the race results. The team's drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, were excluded for excessive skid plank wear on their cars. This technical infringement stripped McLaren of a significant points haul, instantly tightening the title fight with only two rounds remaining.
This development means that with a maximum of 58 points still available to any single driver, the destiny of the championship is now fiercely contested. Verstappen finds himself level on points with Oscar Piastri, a remarkable turnaround given he trailed the Australian by 104 points at the start of September.
Champion's Verdict on the Title Fight
1997 F1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve has weighed in on the intensifying competition, publicly backing Max Verstappen to clinch the title. Villeneuve pointed to the Dutchman's proven experience in high-pressure situations as a key advantage in the final two races of the season.
He also highlighted the strategic dilemma now facing the McLaren team, which must manage two drivers vying for the championship within the same garage. This internal competition could complicate team orders and strategy calls, potentially playing into the hands of their sole rival at Red Bull.
The Final Showdown
Despite backing Verstappen for the win, Villeneuve was clear that the championship remains in Lando Norris's hands. The British driver has a clear path to securing his first world title: he can win the championship by finishing in second place in both of the final two Grands Prix, regardless of where his rivals finish.
This sets the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the F1 season, where every point and every position will be fought over with immense intensity. The Las Vegas disqualifications have ensured the title fight will go down to the wire, transforming what seemed a comfortable lead for Norris into a nail-biting finale.
