Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Lando Norris, McLaren, Formula 1
Marcus Chan
Lando Norris was handed a huge penalty by the FIA stewards at the Qatar Grand Prix.
With two races left to run in the 2025 season, the fight to become world champion is set to go down to the wire.
Norris and McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri were disqualified from last weekend's Las Vegas Grand Prix due to excessive skid block wear.
As a result, reigning champion Max Verstappen is now firmly back in the hunt for his fifth consecutive title.
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Currently, Norris has a 24-point gap between himself and Piastri and Verstappen.
This weekend, Norris can clinch the world title if he manages to outscore his rivals by two or more points.
However, the Qatar Grand Prix has not been too kind to the British driver in recent years.
During the 2023 edition of the race, Norris finished third, behind Piastri and Verstappen.
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Meanwhile, in 2024, Norris had an evening to forget after finishing in 10th place, with Piastri third and Verstappen first.
The McLaren driver was running in second place before being slapped with a 10-second stop-and-go penalty for ignoring yellow flags, which is the harshest penalty that could be handed out during a race before being given a black flag for disqualification.
Norris was investigated by the FIA stewards after failing to slow down on the main straight while double yellow flags were being waved. The yellow flags were needed after debris fell onto the main straight.
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In addition to the 10-second stop-and-go penalty, Norris was also given three points on his license.
Explaining the decision at the time, the FIA said: "The penalty was in accordance with the penalty guidelines circulated to the teams on 19 February 2024.
"A double yellow flag infringement is considered a serious compromise of safety, which is why such offences carry such a severe penalty."
Following this weekend's Qatar Grand Prix, the 2025 season will come to a close next week in Abu Dhabi.