Alan Jones wrecks Norris: 'Piastri will blow him out of the title fight'

15:43, 01 May

Updated: 15:44, 01 May

byNorberto Mujica

Former F1 champion Alan Jones believes Oscar Piastri can become champion himself, particularly when 'he's got teammate Lando Norris spouting so much nonsense'.

In conversation inThe Back Page on Fox Sports, Alan Jones summed up Piastri's championship potential this season. "He’s come out of almost nowhere and he’s got all the attributes that you need to be a world champion."

After stating that the first person a driver has to beat is their teammate, Jones then added:"He can do it [win the F1 drivers' title] this year, no question. At the end of the day, his team-mate [Norris] is weak."

Oscar Piastri after his victory in Saudi Arabia

Norris' speed, is not the problem, the Australian champion notes: "There’s no doubt about that[how quick Norris is]. But mentally, I think he’s quite a weak person. He’s coming out with all this nonsense that he’s got a bit of a mental thing, he’s dwelling on some of the problems he’s had rather than the positives."

"When they start talking all that nonsense, you know you’ve got them."

Piastri stronger and more mature than Norris

One of the defining traits Piastri has got going for him is his maturity and ability to keep a cool head.

"Oscar is a pretty strong-minded young kid. I love him. He doesn’t show off, he doesn’t dance all over the place. He’s just a strong individual and that’s exactly what we need to get the job done."

"He’s got an old head on young shoulders. He’s very, very mature. He’s very laid back. He’s not easily ruffled, whereas I think his team-mate is a little bit the opposite way."

Such attributes, the former Williams champion sees, will help Piastri 'blow out' teammate Norris in the championship fight.

"I think the team-mate could be blown out quite easily and I think Oscar will take advantage of that. He’s got the brains and the strength to do that. He’s very laid back, he doesn't say much and he gets on with it, which I love."

"Out of the car he’s quiet, but when he gets in the car he grows horns and that’s what you want."