What does Norris need to win the championship in Qatar?

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Tasnim Chowdhury
BBC Sport journalist

McLaren's Lando Norris can become Formula 1 world champion this weekend at the Qatar Grand Prix.

British driver Norris leads the drivers' championship with 396 points, 22 points more than team-mate Oscar Piastri.

The gap will have to extend to 26 points for Norris to win the 2025 title in Qatar.

If Norris wins the Qatar Grand Prix, he will become champion this weekend.

If the Englishman does not win the race, he can still clinch the title in Qatar if he outscores Piastri by at least four points.

Should the points gap be any smaller, the championship fight will go on to the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen will have to beat Norris in Sunday's race to remain in the championship fight.

There is also countback to consider. Should the drivers end up tied on points, then the person with the most wins overall is champion. If they are tied on wins, then it is the most second place finishes.

As things stand, Norris and Australian Piastri are level on race wins, with seven each. Verstappen has six race wins.

If it comes down to second-place finishes, Norris has the most across this season, which cannot be surpassed by his rivals.

This article is the latest from BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team.

race wins in 2025 graphic; Lando Norris 7 wins, Oscar Piastri 7 wins, Max Verstappen 6 wins

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