Croft warns: Momentum swing at Spa could reshape Norris vs Piastri title battle

12:40, 22 Jul

Updated: 13:03, 22 Jul

byNorberto Mujica

Ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix, Formula 1's 13th championship round at Spa-Francorchamps, David Croft and Damon Hill believe Lando Norris has a crucial opportunity to build momentum in his championship bid - and possibly secure a psychological edge over Oscar Piastri.

Croft and Hill back Norris to gain key momentum over Piastri

Speaking on Sky Sports’ The F1 Show, Croft compared Norris’ potential late-season surge to Lewis Hamilton’s trademark strong finishes in previous championship campaigns.

"We used to talk about this with Lewis Hamilton once upon a time about how strong he was towards the end of a season. Lando was really strong in the last six races last year," Croft said.

"Knowing that he's had that bit of luck, the momentum's with him, he's got a chance to be leading after the Hungarian Grand Prix, and with some very favourable races to come at the end, this could do no end of good to Lando's championship challenge."

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Hill echoed that sentiment, underlining how confidence and momentum often dictate late-season performance.

"There is such a thing as momentum. Don’t forget coming into the season, Lando had the expectation on his shoulders and Oscar in a way was in the luxurious position of not having all that pressure."

The 1996 world champion also hinted at where Norris may have previously handed Piastri a mental advantage.

"Lando has come in for a bit of stick because he's revealed a bit too much about himself and it’s really handed a psychological advantage. He’s recovered from that and he seems more solid now. The confidence is building."

What it means for the F1 championship

Norris heads into Belgium as teammate Piastri's only real contender, with the Australian's gap to third placed Max Verstappen stretching out to a 69-point lead after the British Grand Prix.

But McLaren’s internal battle is spicier than ever with the Briton trailing the Australian by a mere 8 points.

Beating Piastri in Spa and in Hungary would not only strengthen Norris’ position in the standings, it could begin to cement him as McLaren’s clear lead driver heading into the final stretch of the season. In Belgium it just might be where Norris’ campaign truly takes shape.