Lando Norris was listed as world champion on the official website, although the title fight is still open

Fans immediately noticed the error, shared screenshots, and the issue was quickly fixed. The mistake came in the middle of an already tense title fight. Ahead of the final race in Abu Dhabi, Norris leads with 408 points, followed by Max Verstappen on 396 and Oscar Piastri on 392.

PHOTO. Lando Norris announced champion on official Formula 1 website ahead of Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: Briton not yet champion

Error on the official Formula 1 website / Photo: sportal.blic.rs

In the Qatar Grand Prix, Norris appeared to have an advantage, but the safety car entry on lap seven turned into a strategic nightmare. While almost all rivals opted for new tyres, the McLaren drivers stayed on track. Piastri salvaged second place, while the championship leader finished fourth. Verstappen won the race and closed the gap even further.

The fact that the number “1” accidentally appeared on Norris' profile at this very moment, alongside the number of world championships won, confused fans and pundits, while also causing amusement on social media, according to sportal.blic.rs. Many understood it was a mistake, while others joked with “prophets”, “deals between the FIA ​​and McLaren” or “premature congratulations”.

At McLaren, things are clear: Norris and Piastri fight for the title!

One thing is certain: no one is a world champion yet. McLaren boss Andrea Stella has confirmed the team does not want to “surprise” Norris and Piastri using team orders at the final race of the Formula 1 season in Abu Dhabi, meaning they will discuss the matter with the drivers. Stella said the team would have “further discussions” with the drivers on the matter, but quickly added that there would be no team orders if both were “in a position” to challenge for the title.

He emphasized that “the team's philosophy and approach will not change”, but the very admission that there will be discussions about the order is a softening of McLaren's position on the matter, which is an indirect admission that, at the right time, they could be used:

“We want to be fair to our drivers, we want a fair competition and we want to compete in such a way that there are no surprises. That's why, before Abu Dhabi, I will talk with Lando and Oscar again. But I can confirm the following: if any of our drivers is in a position to chase the title, we will respect that. If the other driver also has a chance to win, there will be no team orders,” explained Stella, according to the quoted source.

Formula 1 drivers standings before the last race of the season

1. Lando Norris (McLaren) – 408 points

2. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 396

3. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 392

4. George Russell (Mercedes) – 309

5. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 230

6. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – 152

7. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – 150

8. Alexander Albon (Williams) – 73

9. Carlos Sainz (Williams) – 64

10. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) – 51

11. Nico Hulkenberg (Kick Sauber) – 49

12. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) – 48

13. Oliver Bearman (Haas) – 41

14. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) – 38

15. Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) – 33

16. Esteban Ocon (Haas) – 32

17. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) – 32

18. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) – 22

19. Gabriel Bortoleto (Kick Sauber) – 19

20. Franco Colapinto (Alpine) – 0

21. Jack Doohan (Alpine) – 0