Photo Credit: Getty Images
Lando Norris arrives in Las Vegas this week full of confidence after back-to-back wins and in control of the Formula 1 world championship race as he eyes a maiden title.
The Briton boasts a 24-point lead in the drivers’ standings over McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri heading into Sunday’s race after a remarkable turnaround in form.
Australian Piastri, who was 34 points clear after winning the Dutch Grand Prix on August 31, has failed to even post a podium finish in the past five races.
Norris has found consistency at the right time, following up his victory from pole position in Mexico with a sprint success and another race win from the front of the grid in Sao Paulo last time out.
No one has failed to convert as big a lead as Norris currently holds with three races left in a season since the points-scoring system was changed in 2010.
But the 26-year-old is not taking anything for granted yet. “They’re just strong results, which is exactly what I need, exactly what I’m fighting for every single weekend and every day,” he said in Brazil.
“So just very pleased, but it’s still a long way to go. So no point getting too happy or excited just yet.”
Norris cannot secure the world championship crown this weekend but he could end the title defence of Max Verstappen.
The four-time defending champion charged back into contention but is now 49 points adrift despite a thrilling drive to finish third two weeks ago, having started the race from the pit lane.
Verstappen is unlikely to go down without a fight, but a Norris win would officially end his hopes if he finishes third or lower in Vegas.
“We’ve got to be realistic. Over the whole season, we’ve not been good enough, but we will keep on trying to win races and see what happens,” said the Dutchman.
