Lando Norris insists he is not thinking about the championship — but after his Sao Paulo Grand Prix victory, it is hard to believe him.
The McLaren driver extended his lead at the top of the Formula 1 standings from just one point to a commanding 24 after a weekend that showcased both his composure and confidence. Despite his modest words, the title is now firmly within his grasp.
Even with Max Verstappen producing one of the drives of the season at Interlagos, Norris’s relentless form leaves him 49 points adrift. With 83 points still up for grabs across the final three races, the Briton is not champion yet — but he’s the clear favorite heading into the Las Vegas Grand Prix from 20–22 November.
The shift in the championship dynamic has been dramatic. Just seven races ago, after the Dutch Grand Prix, Norris’s teammate Oscar Piastri held a 34-point advantage and seemed destined for the title. Piastri’s consistency and speed had made him McLaren’s leading contender, while Norris struggled with errors and mixed results.
Since then, the momentum has completely reversed. Over seven races, including two sprints, Norris has outperformed his teammate to the tune of 58 points — a swing that underscores his transformation into a true championship-caliber driver.
Piastri’s form, by contrast, has faltered. Though there were hints of resurgence in Brazil, his pace has largely evaporated, leaving him chasing shadows while Norris thrives under pressure.
Norris’s newfound control and maturity have been key to his resurgence. Gone are the early-season inconsistencies; in their place is a driver who delivers relentlessly and makes few mistakes. His performances in recent races have displayed the hallmarks of a potential world champion — calm under pressure, fast in qualifying, and ruthlessly efficient on race day.
While Norris downplays talk of the championship, the numbers tell their own story. With McLaren delivering a car capable of winning anywhere and Norris in the form of his life, his maiden world title is now his to lose.
As the Formula 1 circus heads to the glittering streets of Las Vegas, the young Briton stands on the brink of a career-defining achievement — and the sport may be witnessing the rise of its next great champion.
