Lando Norris says he is entering the Qatar Grand Prix with a calm, focused mindset, despite being on the verge of securing his first Formula One world championship.
The McLaren driver leads team-mate Oscar Piastri and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen by 24 points, putting him in a position where outscoring both rivals by just two points across the Doha weekend will crown him champion.
Norris, who has shown remarkable consistency and confidence in recent weeks, dismissed the idea that pressure is weighing heavily on him. “I feel as relaxed as I was before when I was 35 points behind the lead and I feel the same when I’m 24 points ahead,” he said. “That’s my strength for now.”
The Briton’s surge to the top of the standings has been one of the defining stories of the season. Earlier in the year, Piastri appeared to be the more likely McLaren driver to challenge for the championship, particularly after his impressive victory at the Dutch Grand Prix in August. At that stage, Norris trailed his team-mate by 34 points and seemed to be losing ground.
Since then, however, the momentum within McLaren has shifted dramatically. Norris has pieced together a run of strong performances marked by podium finishes, aggressive but measured racecraft, and an ability to maximise points on weekends where McLaren were not the outright favourites. The turnaround has not only propelled him into the lead but has also placed him firmly in control of his championship destiny.
Arriving in Doha with the possibility of ending the weekend as world champion, Norris insists his approach remains unchanged. He credits his composure to the lessons learned from previous title battles in junior categories, combined with a more mature outlook developed over recent seasons in Formula One.
“I’ve had good moments, tough moments, wins and losses,” he explained. “All of those experiences help you understand how to balance pressure. What matters is staying focused on each session, not thinking too far ahead.”
His primary challengers, Piastri and Verstappen, both acknowledge that Norris enters Qatar as the favourite, though neither intends to concede without a fight.
Piastri, who has enjoyed a strong sophomore campaign, said he remains motivated to keep the title battle alive. “A lot can happen in a weekend,” the Australian remarked. “I’ll be pushing as hard as ever, and we’ll see where things stand on Sunday.”
Verstappen, meanwhile, faces an uphill task but has never been a driver to back down from a championship scenario. Red Bull’s form has fluctuated this season, with race-to-race consistency proving elusive, yet the Dutchman’s competitiveness ensures he remains a threat.
The Losail International Circuit, with its sweeping corners and demanding layout, is expected to favour teams with strong aerodynamic balance — a trait McLaren has repeatedly demonstrated this year.
That could tilt the advantage further toward Norris, who has performed well at high-speed circuits throughout the season. However, tyre degradation, track temperatures, and sprint format points could complicate the picture across the weekend.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella praised Norris’s poise heading into the critical round. “Lando has shown exceptional growth,” Stella said. “He’s remained calm, analytical, and committed to improving every weekend. That mindset is what puts him in this position.”
Stella also stressed that the team is focused on securing the best possible result for both drivers, maintaining that they will not interfere unless absolutely necessary. “The priority is to allow both Lando and Oscar to fight freely while ensuring the team maximises points. We will only step in if the situation demands it.”
As the championship prepares for one of its most anticipated weekends of the season, Norris stands on the brink of history — both personally and for McLaren. A victory in Qatar, or even a solid points finish ahead of his two rivals, could seal a title that has been years in the making.
For now, though, Norris remains unfazed. “If it happens this weekend, great,” he said. “If not, there are still races to go. Nothing changes how I drive.” With the world watching and the championship within reach, his relaxed confidence may prove to be the decisive advantage.
