Max Verstappen can become a four-time world champion on Sunday (Image: Getty)
has the opportunity to become a four-time world champion when he crosses the finish line in Las Vegas this weekend, marking a rollercoaster season with some more silverware.
The star tipped the odds in his favour at the Brazilian Grand Prix, overcoming a grid penalty, Q2 exit and a pole position for title rival to claim one of the most memorable victories of his F1 career.
Norris, meanwhile, could only manage a P6 finish ahead of team-mate Oscar Piastri, meaning his hopes of securing a maiden World Championship crown are all but over heading into the final three races of the campaign. The gap between the two title protagonists now stands at 62 points.
With a sprint race still to come in Qatar in the penultimate round, there are 86 points left up for grabs before the season ends in Abu Dhabi. 26 of those are on offer at the Las Vegas Grand Prix on Sunday.
This means that only 60 points will be available once the chequered flag drops in Las Vegas this weekend. Therefore Norris needs to be within 59 points of his championship rival after Sunday’s race to keep his faint title hopes alive for the event at the Lusail International Circuit.
If Verstappen follows up his win in the inaugural Las Vegas street race with another triumph, there is nothing Norris can do – he will be the four-time world champion. If the Dutchman finishes second, the Brit has to win.
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Lando Norris needs to win to keep the pressure on Verstappen (Image: Getty)
The current championship could even win from outside the points, provided Norris fails to record a P8 finish or a P9 result with the fastest lap point added on.
If Verstappen does secure the title on Sunday, he can expect a celebration for the ages. Speaking to Autosport, Las Vegas GP CEO Renee Wilm said: “I’m sure that we would be able to pull some ideas out of our hat, maybe pre-arrange some pretty exciting opportunities.
“When you consider the properties on the Strip – Wynn and Encore are second to none in terms of the highest class of hospitality. Then, of course, you have the Bellagio further down the Strip, with those iconic fountains, and the level of VIP service that the Bellagio offers.
“There are so many opportunities to highlight the drivers, and particularly if we actually do have the benefit of being able to get a champion [crowned].”