Lando Norris - Photo: Race Pictures

Norris forces Schumacher U-turn, as Verstappen’s Brazil charge brews

19:04, 03 Nov

Updated: 19:14, 03 Nov

byNorberto Mujica

F1 expert Ralf Schumacher thinks Lando Norris’ hypothesised mental struggles are no longer an issue, but warns title hopeful Max Verstappen poses a threat come the Brazil Grand Prix.

“He [Verstappen] needs to get closer now and maybe needs a little help. But who would have thought that Norris would get so close again?”

- Ralf Schumacher.

Currently all title rivals are locked within a 36 points gap, with Norris leading by one point from Oscar Piastri, and Verstappen 37 points off the British McLaren driver’s lead.

As the trio head into the Brazilian Grand Prix, a sprint weekend, Schumacher highlights how key the 21st championship round will be in each driver’s personal hunt for the 2025 Drivers’ crown.

"Next weekend is very crucial,” Schumacher said in Sky Sports Germany’s podcast Backstage Boxengasse, claiming Verstappen needed an error from McLaren or its drivers to get closer in the Championship Standings.

“He [Verstappen] needs to get closer now and maybe needs a little help. But who would have thought that Norris would get so close again?”

Photo: Race Pictures

Schumacher observed that the criticism laid at Norris’ doorstep, suggesting he struggled mentally when faced with the protagonist role in the fight for the title, thus explaining his inconsistent form from the first half of the season, is all but gone now.

“We had thought: mental issues, he wasn't always consistent, plus the gap - Piastri seemed to pull away. But with so many races, a lot can still happen.”

Schumacher then reflected on Verstappen’s highly prolific second and final stint in Mexico, where he managed to clinch a P3 which seemed impossible beforehand, as an indication that the Dutch driver will vie for the win in Brazil.

“The Red Bull was not quite at its old strength in Mexico, but in the second stint with the softer tyres, Verstappen was damn strong. From that point of view, in Brazil he can win from my point of view," Schumacher concluded.

Schumacher names title favorite

Schumacher does think that between both McLaren contenders, Norris is currently the driver in form, citing his comfort and confidence in the car and noting Piastri's mistakes are giving his teammate the edge. Nevertheless, he's quick to warn both as Verstappen is closing in.

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