Lewis Hamilton says Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris must be 'tough' as Max Verstappen joins F1 title fight | F1 News
Lewis Hamilton says Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris must be “relentless” in their respective attempts to become Formula One world champions for the first time if either of them is to beat the resurgent Max Verstappen to the title this year.
The fight for the 2025 drivers' title promises to be an exciting one as reigning champion Red Bull has joined season-long protagonists McLaren in what now appears to be a true three-way fight with five races remaining, starting in Mexico this weekend.
McLaren teammates Piastri and Norris are separated by just 14 points, while Verstappen is now just 40 points off the lead after winning three of the last four races.
Ferrari's Hamilton, whose seven titles are the most in history alongside Michael Schumacher, was asked what advice he would give to Piastri and Norris in their respective attempts to win their first titles amid the growing challenge posed by four-time winner Verstappen, against whom he has waged a fierce title battle in 2021.
Hamilton said: “I mean, obviously they've won other championships in other categories. I'm not one to really want to give them advice but, in this scenario, it's a challenge when you're in the team. The pressure is on.”
“It’s definitely a moment where you really have to put your blinders on, you absolutely have to block out everything that comes from the outside, because there are so many things that come in, positive and negative.
“You also really have to be relentless. That's what Max is, he's going to take it from them if they don't do the same.
“They have to push and you have to dig deep to, number one, be able to hold someone like Max and in the car that he's in right now.
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Relive the most controversial moments between teammates Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri
“But also, for either one to come out on top, you know consistency is key and you’ve seen that from Max in the last few races.”
Hamilton believes it is good for the sport that the fight for the championship also extends to a driver from a second team.
“I think it’s great,” Hamilton said.
“Have a team [McLaren] it was right in front, obviously they won in the constructors and then they fought for the championship between the two [drivers] it's always exciting
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Lando Norris was amused by the 'tapegate' situation after a Red Bull team member attempted to remove the tape near his grid during the United States GP.
“But adding another team and another driver into the mix really makes things even more exciting, and that’s really what this sport should be about.
“It was great for me to have fights with Max, another team, and the development of the fights throughout the year and the consistency of them. I think that's what people watch.”
“It is much easier to be a hunter than a defender”
Both Norris and Verstappen have beaten points leader Piastri in each of the last four race weekends to increase the pressure on the Australian, who has led the standings since the Saudi Grand Prix in April.
As the hunted, Hamilton believes Piastri is in the most difficult position.
“It’s great to see that we have this massive battle going on now and, I’m like you, I don’t really know what to expect,” the 40-year-old added.
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Max Verstappen denies claims he is driving better than ever after an impressive victory at the United States Grand Prix.
“You have three incredibly talented drivers. I can't predict how they will perform but, of course, Max has won it four times so he knows what it is and being the chaser is much easier than being the defender.
“When you're in the lead and someone cuts off your lead, it affects you more than if you chase. If you chase, you have nothing to lose, whereas when you're in the lead, you have everything to lose.
“It'll be interesting to see how they handle this. We'll all witness it and whatever happens, it's going to be exciting.”
Sky Sports F1 Mexico GP Schedule
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Look back at some of the most dramatic moments from the Mexico Grand Prix
Friday October 24
7 p.m.: Practice 1 of the Mexico GP (session starts at 7:30 p.m.)
9 p.m.: The F1 Show
10 p.m.: Team leaders press conference
10:45 p.m.: Second practice for the Mexico GP (session starts at 11 p.m.)*
Saturday October 25
6:15 p.m.: Third practice for the Mexico GP (session starts at 6:30 p.m.)
9:00 p.m.: preparation for qualifying for the Mexico GP*
10 p.m.: MEXICO GP QUALIFYING*
Sunday October 26
6:30 p.m.: Grand Prix Sunday: preparation for the Mexico GP*
8 p.m.: THE MEXICO GRAND PRIX*
10 p.m.: Checkered flag: reaction from the Mexico GP
*also on Sky Sports Main Event
The exciting Formula 1 title race continues this weekend at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez for the Mexico Grand Prix, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime
2025-10-23 22:55:00
