Dramatic Disqualification Throws F1 Title Race Wide Open
The battle for the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship has been turned completely on its head following a dramatic post-race decision at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Both McLaren cars, driven by championship leader Lando Norris and his teammate Oscar Piastri, were disqualified for excessive skid plank wear, a ruling that has massively benefited their rival, Red Bull's Max Verstappen.
Norris had appeared to have one hand on the trophy after finishing second in Vegas, extending his lead in the drivers' standings. However, the shock double disqualification has slashed his advantage, reigniting the title fight with only two rounds of the season remaining.
Villeneuve's Verdict: Experience and Pressure Will Tell
1997 F1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve has now weighed in, publicly backing Max Verstappen to secure a remarkable fifth consecutive title. Villeneuve believes that the dynamic within the McLaren team, which now has two drivers in contention, will play directly into the hands of the experienced Red Bull outfit.
"I would still put my money on Max Verstappen to be this season’s champion," Villeneuve stated. "But just by a very small margin, because of his experience, because of the fact that McLaren has two drivers now fighting for the championship and they can't yet use one to help the other."
He elaborated on the strategic nightmare this creates for McLaren, suggesting that being on the defensive leads to wrong calls. Villeneuve pointed out that Red Bull can apply pressure, knowing that any aggressive strategy for Norris could inadvertently damage Piastri's own title hopes. This, he claims, gives Red Bull a psychological advantage, even if they are still behind on points.
The Numbers: A Tightened Championship Battle
The disqualifications have fundamentally altered the championship landscape. The situation now stands as follows:
- Lando Norris (McLaren): Leads the championship, but his advantage over Verstappen is now just 24 points.
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull): Now level on points with Oscar Piastri after having trailed the Australian by a massive 104 points in early September.
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren): Remains a genuine contender, tied with Verstappen.
With a maximum of 58 points still available from the final two races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, the title is far from decided. Villeneuve was quick to note that the destiny of the championship remains in Norris's hands; if the British driver finishes second in both of the remaining grands prix, he will be crowned world champion regardless of what his rivals do.
However, the final sprint race of the season in Qatar adds another layer of unpredictability. Villeneuve anticipates a "super exciting race," noting that the physical demands of the hot Qatar circuit and the fact that the drivers can no longer afford to take a conservative approach will create a thrilling spectacle.
The penultimate round of the 2025 F1 season takes place this weekend at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar, setting the stage for a grandstand finish to one of the most dramatic championships in recent years.
