Three races remain in the 2025 season. Lando Norris leads the standings by 24 points over Oscar Piastri and 49 points ahead of Max Verstappen. These are the only three drivers who can still take the title. The margin is small enough for tension but large enough to force both Piastri and Verstappen into aggressive weekends. Every point now matters. Every mistake can swing the season. Here is a clear look at how the final rounds in Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi could shape the championship.
Las Vegas Grand Prix
Las Vegas can flip a season. Grip levels change all weekend. Tyre warm up is difficult. Race pace often depends on timing pit stops with safety car periods. Verstappen handles these changing conditions well. Red Bull also works well on low downforce circuits. McLaren should be competitive but also Ferrari and Mercedes could be a factor here.
Piastri needs to keep calm here. A small mistake opens the door for Verstappen. Norris needs a strong points haul to avoid pressure in remaining races.
Predicted top three in Las Vegas
1st Max Verstappen
2nd Lando Norris
3rd Charles Leclerc
This result keeps the championship alive. Verstappen cuts the lead but Norris finishing second limits his chances at the title. Piastri missing out on the podium finishing P4 hurts his chances at the WDC. Ferrari close the gap to Mercedes but need both drivers on their game to finish second in the WCC.
Points after Las Vegas
Lando Norris – 408
Oscar Piastri – 378
Max Vertsappen – 356
Qatar Grand Prix
Qatar Sprint Prediction
The Qatar sprint will set the tone for the weekend. The circuit demands smooth tyre management, strong front-end grip and clean execution across short runs. Vertsappen will have the pace over the short distance to get the job done on the McLaren’s . Norris has excelled in sprint formats this season. Piastri is fast over one lap and remains consistent in controlled environments but won’t be able to match Verstappen and Norris.
Predicted sprint top three
1st Max Verstappen
2nd Lando Norris
3rd Oscar Piastri
This result gives Norris a slight points boost on Piastri. Verstappen limits damage but needs Norris to finish outside of the top 10 to stand a chance now.
Qatar demands pace over long stints. The surface hurts tyres. Drivers need to control degradation and stay patient. McLaren has been strong on similar circuits this year. Verstappen still reeping the benefits of his new power unit will be enough to hold off the McLaren’s.
Qatar also rewards clean air. Norris has improved his qualifying form this season. Piastri needs to up his game in qualifying and Verstappen needs a front row start here to hold his chance.
Predicted top three in Qatar
1st Max Verstappen
2nd Oscar Piastri
3rd Lando Norris
A Verstappen win won’t be enough if Norris finishes in the points and if this is the result Norris will already be the World Champion but the fight for second will go the distance.
Points after Qatar
Lando Norris – 430
Oscar Piastri – 402
Max Vertsappen – 389
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Abu Dhabi usually produces clean races. Strategy is clear. Grip builds across the evening. This puts more focus on single lap pace and steady tyre life. McLaren has been strong at circuits like this through the season. Piastri has been stable during long stints. Norris has been sharper at key moments during pressure weekends. Verstappen has the experience but the current Red Bull package has been inconsistent at tracks with mixed corner speeds.
Track position will decide this race. The driver who qualifies ahead will control the opening phase.
Predicted top three in Abu Dhabi
1st Lando Norris
2nd Oscar Piastri
3rd Max Verstappen
Norris will have already sealed the championship. Piastri finishes close but not close enough. Verstappen will finsih third close behind Piastri.
Points after Abu Dhabi
Lando Norris – 455
Oscar Piastri – 420
Max Vertsappen – 404
What It Means for the Championship
If these predictions hold, Norris takes his first world title. His season has carried consistent speed and fewer mistakes when it matterred. The key is that he finishes every race inside the points and wins the weekends where McLaren has its strongest pace. His early season form also gives him the buffer he needs now.
Piastri would finish second. His growth as a front runner is clear. He has taken wins and closed gaps when needed. His race management looks like that of a future champion. He remains in the fight until the last round but loses out due to small swings rather than major errors.
Verstappen finishes third. His speed remains strong. He still produces elite drives but early season results cost him. The gap to Norris is too large now. Even perfect weekends in Las Vegas and Abu Dhabi may not bring the title unless the McLarens face trouble.
Final Thoughts
Norris controls the championship. Piastri still has hope. Verstappen needs a perfect run with mistakes from Norris. Champions rise in the final phase of a season. Norris has placed himself in that position. Piastri has the talent to make the fight close. Verstappen has the experience to apply pressure.
The final rounds will decide if the season ends with a first time champion or another late charge from a proven one. Based on the form and the tracks ahead, Norris remains the favourite. The gap is small enough to keep the battle alive. It is large enough to stay in his hands if he keeps his composure.
