Peter Windsor gives two reasons why McLaren will find it ‘difficult’ to get the best from Lando Norris

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Lando Norris faces the prospect of closing in on Max Verstappen for the 2024 Formula 1 Drivers’ title in the final eight races of the season.

Red Bull faces a race against time to improve its form in the second half of the season after Christian Horner claimed they are now the fourth-quickest team after a dismal Italian Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen has not won a race since the Spanish Grand Prix in June and has called on his Red Bull team to figure out a solution, following tough outings at Monza, Zandvoort and Spa Francorchamps.

The team no longer has Adrian Newey to fall back on for solutions after he announced he will be joining Aston Martin, meaning McLaren has a great opportunity to take valuable points away in both championships.

Realistically it appears McLaren is going for the Constructors’ Championship more than the Drivers’ given Verstappen’s lead, but the upcoming races at Singapore and Baku could change the title landscape if Lando Norris can finish strongly and the Dutchman is outside the top five.

Peter Windsor believes there is one factor that is holding Norris back in his title pursuit when speaking on the Cameron Cc podcast on YouTube.

Peter Windsor explains why Oscar Piastri is affecting Lando Norris

Norris’ recent defeats by teammate Oscar Piastri could become a factor in him not showing his true potential in the title battle with Verstappen.

Several have called for McLaren to scrap their ‘papaya rules’ and favour Norris due to his position in the championship, but Windsor believes he will not want to become a driver that has to rely on his teammate in the future.

“It’s more difficult to get the best from Lando because he’s a little bit shell-shocked by what Oscar can do on the first lap,” said Windsor.

“Whether it be Turn 1 at Hungary or second chicane at Monza, the fact that it was Oscar on the inside led to a bit of a lapse in concentration from Lando.

“Then on the other side of the coin, he doesn’t want to be seen as inheriting a win or favours from Piastri who’s had him off twice now. Call it ego, but it’s an understandable reaction to have.”

Oscar Piastri success could be ‘beginning of the end’ for Lando Norris at McLaren

With Piastri finishing ahead of Norris in three of the last four races, it has been far from an ideal scenario for the Briton who is losing points in the title race.

Piastri is more than 100 points behind Verstappen in the championship, but Norris is within 70 points heading into the Asia and Americas flyaway races.

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McLaren are reportedly planning a change to their racing rules which could benefit Norris going forward. He is the team’s best qualifier, which means he often has track position at the beginning of each race.

But with further success from Piastri, Norris could see the beginning of the end of his time at McLaren if the Australian manages to finish ahead in the championship this season.