Following the dramatic disqualification of both McLaren MCL39 cars from the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Lando Norris’s 24-point lead over teammate Oscar Piastri now faces fresh challenges.

Max Verstappen, initially 42 points behind Norris, has capitalized on the ruling to level the points with Piastri, injecting new tension into the championship battle. With just two races remaining — Qatar and Abu Dhabi — offering 58 points total, former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher emphasizes the urgency for McLaren to rally behind Norris.

Schumacher believes Norris holds the momentum to clinch the title if given clear team support, signaling a potential shift in strategy as the season nears its climax.

Qualifying and track conditions pivotal

Schumacher highlights the critical role qualifying will play at the upcoming Qatar Grand Prix, a circuit known for its challenging layout with long corners that make overtaking difficult.

Norris’s recent run of three consecutive pole positions demonstrates his readiness to capitalize on these conditions. With the warmer temperatures expected in Qatar potentially benefiting McLaren's car performance, Norris could leverage this advantage to maintain his championship lead.

Despite Verstappen’s pace, Schumacher remains confident McLaren has the upper hand in these conditions, making the upcoming race a possible decider in the title fight.

Team dynamics and strategic dilemma

Despite external calls for a clear number one driver, McLaren has consistently maintained it will treat both Norris and Piastri equally as long as they remain in contention. This stance presents a strategic dilemma, as prioritizing one driver could enhance championship prospects but risks internal friction.

However, given Norris’s current form and points advantage, many, including Schumacher, advocate focusing resources to secure the best outcome.

As the season reaches its defining moments, McLaren must balance team harmony with championship ambition to ensure a strong finish and capitalize on Norris’s title potential.