Ralf Schumacher Urges McLaren to Prioritize Norris for 2025 Title Push
Ralf Schumacher has urged McLaren to prioritize Lando Norris in the 2025 season's final rounds following the team's double disqualification in Las Vegas. He believes Oscar Piastri should support Norris's championship bid, especially with Max Verstappen now just 24 points behind. Schumacher predicts the title could be decided at the Qatar Grand Prix, where McLaren's performance is expected to be strong due to warmer temperatures. This strategic call could be pivotal for Norris's maiden title pursuit.
Ralf Schumacher has called on McLaren to prioritize Lando Norris over Oscar Piastri for the remainder of the 2025 Formula 1 season, especially after the recent double disqualification at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Schumacher believes this strategic shift is crucial for Norris to secure his maiden drivers' championship.
Why it matters:
After a crucial double disqualification in Las Vegas, the championship battle has tightened significantly. McLaren's strategic decision on driver priority could be the deciding factor in Lando Norris's bid for the drivers' title, potentially reshaping the competitive dynamics within the team and against rivals like Max Verstappen.
The Details:
- Schumacher's Stance: Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher, speaking to RTL, explicitly stated, "Norris should now be given priority, and Piastri needs to support him." This comes after both McLaren drivers were disqualified from the Las Vegas Grand Prix due to technical infringements related to plank wear.
- Las Vegas Disqualification: Norris had originally finished second, seemingly closing in on the championship. However, the post-race disqualification meant both he and Piastri lost their points, complicating Norris's title aspirations.
- Championship Impact: The disqualification has brought Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen to within 24 points of Norris, intensifying the title fight as the season approaches its climax.
- Qatar Grand Prix Outlook: Schumacher emphasized the difficulty of overtaking at the Lusail circuit in Qatar due to its long, sweeping corners, making strong qualifying performances paramount. He predicts the warmer temperatures in Qatar will favor McLaren, potentially making them significantly stronger than earlier in the year.
What's next:
Schumacher remains optimistic about Norris's chances, suggesting the championship could even be decided at the upcoming Qatar Grand Prix. The focus will be on McLaren's strategy and how they manage their drivers in what promises to be a tense finale to the 2025 season. All eyes will be on how McLaren implements or refrains from team orders, and whether this impacts Norris's pursuit of the title.