Ralf Schumacher has identified a ‘major weakness’ in Lando Norris that could cost him the championship

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Ralf Schumacher believes that he might have spotted a ‘major weakness’ in McLaren driver Lando Norris that could cost him in his championship battle with teammate Oscar Piastri.

Heading into the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Oscar Piastri has a 31-point lead over Lando Norris in the F1 title race.

The drivers’ championship could go down to the final race in Abu Dhabi, and Norris closed the gap by three points at the Italian Grand Prix after a controversial team order was followed by Piastri.

Whether the Australian would be as diligent to follow a similar instruction were the championship on the line is another matter, but for now, he has a big enough buffer that he can afford a six-point swing.

Norris has admitted Piastri is ‘better’ than his previous McLaren teammates, and is quickly learning why Zak Brown was so keen to poach him from Alpine.

His rate of development has been remarkable, and Piastri is regularly being compared to Alain Prost, who went on to win four championships of his own.

Ralf Schumacher has been following the championship fight very closely and believes he’s spotted a ‘weakness’ that could cost Norris the title this year.

If he can address the issue Schumacher has spotted over the next eight races, he stands a chance of becoming Britain’s latest F1 champion.

READ MORE: McLaren driver Lando Norris’ life outside F1 from parents to celebration

Ralf Schumacher says Lando Norris’ overtaking skills are a ‘major weakness’

It was put to Schumacher in an interview with T-Online that Piastri’s development has been faster than Norris’ this season, and whether he’s now surpassed his McLaren teammate, and he replied: “You can certainly attest to that – especially considering that this is only his third year in Formula 1, he’s further along than Lando.

“I find one thing particularly remarkable: Last year, his biggest weakness was his racing speed. He’s obviously worked hard on that because he’s improved significantly in that area. And there’s something else that sets him apart for me.

“He is handling the situation of already leading the drivers’ standings at his young age, just 24, and being well on his way to his first title, at least outwardly, relatively calmly.”

Schumacher was then asked whether Norris is ‘too nice’ to win the drivers’ championship, and he continued: “I at least have the impression that he doesn’t always make the best decisions when overtaking, especially when compared to Oscar or Max Verstappen.

“He often takes too long to get close, to get past, and sometimes even fails two or three times. That’s a major weakness of his.

“And since you mentioned it: He’s also spoken about how mentally he’s not quite as strong at times – you could see that repeatedly in his qualifying performances.

“However, it must also be said that he didn’t make any mistakes in qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix at a very high level.”

READ MORE: F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix: how to watch Baku race, schedule and weather as McLaren could clinch championship

How Lando Norris’ record at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix compares to Oscar Piastri

Speaking to McLaren in their official pre-race preview of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Norris stated: “I’m pumped to be back racing this weekend in Baku.

“Street circuits bring a different challenge, and I can’t wait to get out there and put myself to the test. I’ve been back at MTC, working hard to be in the best position to go for another win.”

Norris will be thinking about his victory in Monaco earlier this year in the hope that he can get the better of Piastri in Baku.

In his five visits to the circuit in F1, Norris has never qualified above seventh, and while he’s scored points 100% of the time, he’s never finished on the podium.

Piastri, on the other hand, has only raced in Baku twice in Formula 1, and while he missed out on points in 2023 after qualifying 10th, he started on the front row last year and pulled off a remarkable move on Charles Leclerc to win the race.

Damon Hill applauded Piastri for his battle with Leclerc, and he’ll be hoping to build on that experience this weekend.

Piastri’s rate of improvement has been extraordinary in the last three years, and if he’s even quicker than last year, then Norris might have his work cut out.