Schumacher confronts Piastri with daunting title fight warning

Ralf Schumacher believes McLaren face an intense internal battle for the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri evenly matched after the Australian’s rapid development in his third season.

Speaking to Bild, Schumacher admitted that in the past he would have rated Norris as the more complete driver.

However, he says Piastri has eliminated key weaknesses from his rookie year, particularly his struggles with tyre management and race pace over long stints.

"Now he has strong nerves and is fast," Schumacher explained, adding that both drivers are operating on the same level.

McLaren’s driver pairing have consistently bested Red Bull, Ferrari and Mercedes this season, with both being the sole realistic contenders still in the championship hunt heading into the final stretch.

'Piastri can cost himself the title'

Schumacher warns that such a close contest could be decided by the smallest of margins: "A retirement or a mistake can decide the World Title."

While praising Piastri’s progress, Schumacher cautioned that the Australian’s determination to seize the title could work against him.

“I see the danger with Oscar that he risks too much when he sees the title in front of him,” he said. “That can sometimes go wrong.”

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