Former Formula 1 driver Johnny Herbert is confident in Lando Norris‘s chances for the world title. Despite Norris having to admit his inferiority to teammate Oscar Piastri for the time being, Herbert expects his compatriot to be able to turn the tide.
Lando Norris was seen as the top favorite for the world title before the season. But after seven races, it’s teammate Oscar Piastri who leads the standings. While the Australian has already won four races, the Brit, after winning the season opener, has been stuck at one victory. The difference between the two: thirteen points. “Lando needs to improve his performance,” Johnny Herbert admits to Talksport. “Mistakes have crept in, a bit too often compared to Oscar, who is currently on a strong streak.”
Yet the former Formula 1 driver certainly does not write off his compatriot. “Lando will learn from his mistakes. He will have to apply everything he learns, partly by looking at his experiences in races with Max Verstappen, but also by seeing what happens with his teammate,” he says. “Is he out? No, he’s not. Is he fast enough? Absolutely. It’s now about him being able to dig deep, get everything out of the car and optimally use the team’s energy when he steps into the cockpit.”
Internal Struggle
In the fight for the world title, there is another contender: reigning champion Max Verstappen. With his victory in the Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna, his second win after Japan, he has once again joined the title fight. However, the Dutchman is still 9 points behind Norris and 22 behind standings leader Piastri. Moreover, the RB21 has often had to concede to the MCL39 this season, although Red Bull showed a glimpse of its former dominance in Imola. Still, Johnny Herbert thinks Verstappen will ultimately lose out to the McLaren drivers. “The championship is far from decided, but it looks like it’s really going to be a battle between Lando and Oscar.”
