Max Verstappen is still in the hunt for his fifth consecutive F1 world title following Lando Norris' disqualification at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Verstappen did all he could against the might of the McLaren on the Vegas strip after pouncing on a Lando Norris error to take the lead on lap one.
The Dutchman then marched off into the distance as he so often has throughout his F1 career to take a dominant victory in Sin City.
Despite the win, with title favourite Norris still managing to finish in second, Verstappen's chances at a fifth championship seemed all but over.
Advert
However, with Norris and Piastri both disqualified, the 28-year-old sits just 24 points behind the Brit and level with the Aussie ahead of the final two races.
Following their disqualification, both drivers spoke out on their frustrations, despite Piastri looking far from unhappy at the FIA's verdict.
If Norris finishes ahead of both his rivals next week in Qatar he wraps up his first-ever title, however, the past has shown the McLaren star often falters when the lights are brightest.
How Verstappen can claim 2025 F1 title
Verstappen's dominant win in Vegas proves the Red Bull will likely have the pace to challenge the McLaren's for the season conclusion, and with a Qatar sprint race making it 58 total points available, anything is possible.
Advert
To become champion, Verstappen must win both remaining races and the Qatar Sprint, while Norris must finish fourth or lower (no more than 33 points) in both remaining races, while Piastri must finish second or lower.
If Verstappen misses out on the Sprint win but still triumphs in both Grands Prix, Norris would need to collect 25 points or fewer and Piastri 49 or fewer to keep the title within reach.
However, as demonstrated in Las Vegas if Norris was to fail to score in Qatar alongside a Verstappen victory, the Dutchman would enter the final race of the season ahead of the McLaren's.
Topics: Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, Formula 1, Motorsport
Tom Jenkins