Damon Hill: Piastri's Comeback Key to Norris' Title Bid After Recent Struggles
Damon Hill believes Oscar Piastri's ability to recover from his recent slump will be pivotal in the ongoing F1 title battle, which currently sees Lando Norris leading. While supporting his compatriot Norris, Hill emphasizes the championship is far from over, highlighting Piastri's potential for a comeback and warning against underestimating Max Verstappen's resilience in the final races.
Former F1 World Champion Damon Hill suggests Oscar Piastri could rebound from his recent performance dip, impacting Lando Norris's championship pursuit. While Hill is "patriotically" rooting for Norris, he emphasizes that the title fight remains wide open, with Max Verstappen also still a formidable contender despite his points deficit.
Why it matters:
McLaren's intra-team battle for the F1 title has seen significant swings, with Norris recently gaining a 24-point lead over Piastri. However, Hill's analysis underscores the unpredictable nature of championship fights, where driver mentality and team support can dramatically shift fortunes, preventing any single driver from claiming an early victory.
The Details:
- Norris's Surge: After falling 34 points behind Piastri at the Dutch Grand Prix due to an oil line failure, Norris has accumulated 115 points to Piastri's 57 in the subsequent six races. This impressive run has reversed his deficit into a 24-point lead.
- Piastri's Blip: Piastri's momentum has waned since Monza, where a controversial team order saw him concede second place to Norris. Hill notes Piastri "looks a bit forlorn, a bit under pressure."
- The Learning Curve: Both Norris and Piastri are navigating their first true F1 title fights, a scenario Hill describes as "not the same as just driving" but a test of their mettle.
- Webber's Influence: Hill believes Piastri's manager, Mark Webber, could be crucial in helping the Australian analyze and overcome his current struggles, providing the necessary guidance and encouragement.
- Verstappen's Resilience: Despite a 49-point gap to Norris, Max Verstappen, known for his relentless fight, cannot be counted out. His ability to deliver "knockout blows" even when seemingly down means he will remain a factor in the remaining races.
What's next:
With 83 points still up for grabs in the final three races, the F1 title is far from decided. The championship's recent history of momentum swings suggests that further twists are possible. The ability of Piastri to recover his form, potentially with guidance from Mark Webber, and Verstappen's proven capability to close significant gaps, will determine if Norris can hold onto his lead and secure his maiden F1 World Championship.