Hill: Norris 'Found Something' Against Piastri at Perfect Time

Damon Hill believes Lando Norris has unlocked the crucial ingredient needed to seize control of the 2024 championship fight, at exactly the moment Oscar Piastri started to falter. With the Las Vegas Grand Prix looming and Norris now 24 points ahead of his McLaren teammate, the 1996 world champion says he recognizes the unmistakable signs of a driver discovering how to win big, stating Norris has 'found something, and it's been perfect timing.'

Why it matters:

Lando Norris's recent surge, culminating in a significant points lead over teammate Oscar Piastri, marks a pivotal moment in his career and McLaren's championship aspirations. Damon Hill's analysis highlights Norris's psychological breakthrough, suggesting he's learned the demanding mental discipline required to contend for a world title. This transformation could redefine McLaren's internal dynamics and Norris's standing as a top-tier driver.

The Details:

• Timely Breakthrough: Hill emphasizes that Norris's discovery of this 'something' came at the perfect time, coinciding with Piastri appearing 'forlorn' and 'under pressure.' This shift underscores the psychological element in championship battles.
• From Setback to Surge: Norris's comeback began after a DNF at Zandvoort, a point Hill identifies as his season's low. Since then, he has erased Piastri's 34-point advantage and has not finished behind the Australian since July's Belgian Grand Prix.
• Champion's Mentality: Hill argues that Norris has 'learned about fighting for a world championship' – a different discipline than merely driving fast. He suggests Norris is now being rewarded for the elite level he has displayed in previous seasons, including his strong 2021 first half and his solo podium efforts in 2022.
• Psychological Discipline: The 1996 champion states that separating contenders from champions requires 'a mental and psychological discipline which is quite demanding.' This discipline, according to Hill, determines 'who’s got the right stuff and who hasn’t.'
• World Champion Material: Hill unequivocally calls Norris 'world champion material,' asserting that despite a period where he 'went missing,' he is now 'back with a vengeance,' making the outlook 'good for him.'

What's next:

With only three races remaining in the season, the championship pendulum has swung decisively in Norris's favor. If Norris can maintain his current momentum and psychological edge, he is poised to become McLaren's first world champion since Lewis Hamilton in 2008. The upcoming races will be a true test of his newly found mental fortitude against a teammate who will undoubtedly be looking to regain his form.