Schumacher assesses Norris, Piastri’s F1 title hopes, names favourite
Ralf Schumacher has assessed both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri’s title chances, naming the former as the favourite.
"Right now, you have to say that Norris is on top. He feels comfortable in the car.”- Ralf Schumacher
The 50-year-old, speaking in an interview with Sky Sports DE, stated that Norris is currently ahead of his McLaren teammate, stressing how comfortable he feels in the car.
The former F1 driver also highlighted how Norris’s confidence is boosted by recognising that Piastri can make mistakes.
He said, "Right now, you have to say that Norris is on top. He feels comfortable in the car, seems relaxed, and is smiling – he's really enjoying himself again.”
“That gives him confidence, also because he realises that Piastri is making mistakes and he can beat him. That helps, of course. But still: It's incredibly exciting, very close. [Max] Verstappen is pushing from behind, and I think that's definitely worrying them both."
At the Mexico City Grand Prix, Norris claimed the top spot in the drivers’ championship following his dominant victory at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, while Piastri could only manage a fifth-place finish.
A single point currently separates the pair, with four races and two sprints left on the current calendar.
Schumacher on Piastri’s struggle
Schumacher also commented on Piastri’s recent dip in form, noting the fine margins that make Formula 1 so challenging.
He concluded by advising the 24-year-old to concentrate on his driving and not worry about whether the team favours him or his teammate.
He said, "Formula 1 has become so tight, difficult, and demanding. Nuances can make a huge difference – setup, tyres, track conditions.”
“In Mexico, it was very slippery, and if you don't have the feel and confidence in the car, that's a problem. He improved in the race with the same car; he was also fast then, but couldn't make much of a difference.”
“He would be well advised at the moment to concentrate on his job and worry less about whether the team might favour someone – there were rumours about that, but I think it's absolute nonsense.”
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