Lando Norris celebrates hi sP3 in Singapore. Photo: RacePictures

Former F1 driver weighs in on title fight: 'I would say Norris'

12:10, 06 Oct

byLuke-John Buckle

Former Formula 1 driver Giancarlo Fisichella has had his say on the title battle in F1 and feels it's vital for Lando Norris to seize his opportunity this year.

"I would say Norris because he's more experienced than Piastri."

- Giancarlo Fischella

The McLaren team have wrapped up their second consecutive Constructors' Championship, which means the team's full focus is now on the driver's title.

Oscar Piastri leads the world championship by 22 points over his teammate Norris as both drivers are battling for their first title.

Fischella won three Formula 1 races and feels the battle is very close and Azerbaijan was the first time he saw Piastri under pressure.

The Italian said: "It's so close. The first part of the championship, until the last race, was tight. Lando Norris was a bit up and down. Piastri was more consistent with the race pace in qualifying, and his race management was top notch.

"Baku was probably the first time I saw Piastri under pressure. Made mistakes in the qualifying session, in free practice and especially in the race, starting from the jumpstart and then in the first lap, he hit the wall."

Oscar Piastri after the Singapore Grand Prix - Photo: Race Pictures

Fischella added that both McLaren drivers are very strong, but there may be more pressure on Norris to take the championship this year, as he feels Piastri can take more titles in the future.

"It's difficult. Piastri, at the moment, has more points. Both of them are good drivers, so it's difficult to call.

"I would say Norris because he's more experienced than Piastri. It's important for him to grab that chance this year. For Piastri, I'm sure he can win multiple titles in the future. I would say Norris."

Some fans thought Piastri was soft in the incident with Norris

The championship fight between the two McLarens is developing as 22 points separate them with six rounds to go.

The pair made contact on the opening lap in Singapore, with Norris getting ahead at Turn 2 on the Marina Bay Street Circuit

Some fans responded to this by saying Piastri needed to be stronger on the opening lap. Norris went on to take third place, narrowly ahead of the championship leader after 62 laps.

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