Norris Becomes the Man to Beat in the F1 Championship

Lando Norris has hit peak form at what might just be the most crucial stage of the title fight. What looked like another weekend set to keep Oscar Piastri on top has instead turned into a real headache for the Australian — who not only has stopped winning, but now seems to have forgotten how to even reach the podium.

Why it matters:

• After struggling for consistency, Norris's recent surge has dramatically shifted the F1 championship dynamic, placing him firmly in control and putting immense pressure on his teammate and rival, Oscar Piastri.
• This turnaround showcases Norris's resilience and ability to perform under pressure, especially after a challenging moment at Zandvoort.

The Details:

• In the last four races, Oscar Piastri has secured zero podiums and a mere 32 points, averaging eight points per weekend. This is a significant drop from his pre-summer break form where he was regularly finishing on the top step or as runner-up.
• By contrast, Norris has surged, outscoring Piastri by a staggering 54 points in the last five races.
• This resurgence began paradoxically after his costly retirement at Zandvoort, an incident that seemingly strengthened his resolve rather than knocking his confidence.
• Norris now leads the championship for the first time since the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in April.

The Big Picture:

• Just like last year, Norris has found top gear in the final stretch of the season. In 2023, he was instrumental in securing the Constructors' title in Abu Dhabi with an almost flawless performance.
• This shift in momentum is piling pressure and doubt on Piastri, who has struggled to rediscover the form that kept him at the top for most of the year.
• Norris might now be more concerned with the threat of Max Verstappen, who secured a podium in Mexico despite struggling with pace, than with his teammate.
• The upcoming race is poised to be a decisive turning point. Piastri, now the hunter, faces an uphill battle to shift momentum back in his favor against an in-form Norris.

What's next:

• The next race will be crucial for Piastri to regain his form and challenge Norris, who carries all the momentum as championship leader.
• Despite the on-track success, Norris faced a sour note post-race in Mexico, being booed by fans who believe McLaren is 'handing him the title' after team orders at Monza, which earned him three extra points over Piastri.
• Resolving such fan perceptions, while maintaining his peak performance, will be another aspect Norris needs to navigate as the championship race intensifies.