Oscar Piastri delivers ‘big’ verdict on whether Lando Norris can beat Max Verstappen to first title

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The Formula 1 championship fight is reaching its peak level of excitement as the sport nears the final rounds of the season.

With four races left, Lando Norris needs to outscore reigning champion Max Verstappen by 48 points to claim his first world championship.

It would end a devastating 16-year title drought for his McLaren team and bring an end to Red Bull’s undisputed dominance of the past few seasons.

They have a slight car advantage and two drivers up to the task of dismantling their rivals, but they need to perform well under pressure in what is a relatively new situation for them in the last four races of 2024.

Oscar Piastri believes ‘it’s doable’ for Lando Norris to beat Max Verstappen

One man who knows exactly what Norris’ McLaren car is capable of is his teammate Oscar Piastri, who has won twice this year.

Taking an average of 12 points per event from Verstappen is an incredibly steep task, and probably requires at least three victories.

When quizzed during the FIA’s Thursday press conference as to whether he believes Norris can win, he remained optimistic in his outlook.

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“I mean, I think it’s possible,” Piastri said. “Certainly not an easy task. In some ways, it’s up to both drivers what happens. Lando can’t just win every race and have Max finish second because Max will still win.

“So, it depends a bit on the results. It’s obviously a very tight fight with the top three teams and occasionally Mercedes now still.

“The swing either way can still be quite big at the moment I would say. I think it’s possible, it’s going to be tough, but I think it’s doable.”

What does Norris need to go his way for 2024 glory?

Norris needs all the help he can get if he is to beat Verstappen to the world championship, and that includes assistance from his rivals.

Not only will Piastri play the team game, but if one or two Ferrari cars can beat the Dutchman at every race, while Norris stays on top, it’s a dream scenario.

He is yet to fight for the biggest trophy of all in Formula 1, but he has competed for other championships before and knows what he needs to do to win.

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Expect Verstappen to attempt to disrupt his rhythm and flow as much as possible, just like he has done at the last two races by pushing the Brit off the track.

A DNF would blow the title charge wide open and place Red Bull under more pressure than they have seen at any stage since 2021.