Schumacher Urges McLaren to Prioritize Norris in Title Fight, Predicts Shift in Championship Momentum
Las Vegas proved a triumphant weekend for Max Verstappen, securing victory in the Grand Prix with relative ease. Though, the race delivered a significant blow to McLaren, as both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were disqualified following post-race technical inspections.
The disqualifications dramatically reshaped the championship landscape. Lando Norris now trails Verstappen by a mere 24 points – the equivalent of a single Grand Prix win. Remarkably, Verstappen has also closed the gap to Piastri, equaling the Australian’s point total despite Piastri holding a commanding 104-point lead after the Dutch Grand Prix just seven races prior.despite a theoretical path to the championship, Piastri’s recent performance dip has diminished his threat to Verstappen.
This shift has prompted former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher to call for decisive action from McLaren. Speaking with Sport.de, Schumacher argued the team should prioritize Norris’s championship bid, even if it means implementing team orders and sacrificing Piastri’s own chances. “I’m curious to see what will happen,” Schumacher stated. “Norris now deserves priority and Piastri will have to support him.” He believes the traditional “papaya rules” - suggesting equal treatment for both drivers – should be abandoned.
Looking ahead to the Qatar Grand Prix, schumacher anticipates a potential turning point. He predicts McLaren will be a formidable force, leveraging the warmer conditions to their advantage. “I think there is a good chance that McLaren will be the strongest team in Qatar. Max can be fast there, but McLaren will have a significant advantage due to the warmer temperatures,” he explained.
Despite acknowledging Verstappen’s continued strength, Schumacher remains confident in Norris’s championship prospects. “Although I am happy for Max, I don’t think he will win the championship this year. Norris is in great form, and I also think he will eventually become world champion,” he concluded.
