Ralf Schumacher: Max Verstappen’s form could boost Lando Norris’ F1 title bid

Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher is assured Lando Norris can make the most of Max Verstappen’s resurgence in kind following the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Verstappen has taken back-to-back victories in Monza and Baku to maneuver to only 69 factors behind Oscar Piastri with seven rounds to go.

Purple Bull have unlocked efficiency with a collection of upgrades, notably across the flooring.

Purple Bull are additionally listening to Verstappen’s suggestions and making setup adjustments based mostly on that, somewhat than the same old mendacity solely on knowledge.

Purple Bull’s renewed kind has led to options that Verstappen is perhaps again within the F1 title struggle.

The massive take a look at can be whether or not Purple Bull keep their stage of efficiency subsequent trip in Singapore.

Singapore requires a high-downforce setup – and monitor situations can be considerably hotter.

Consequently, it’s anticipated that McLaren will return to the entrance of the sphere in dominant trend.

Nevertheless, if Purple Bull are again to being comfy because the second-best staff, Verstappen might have a significant say within the 2025 F1 title race.

Norris has “lifelike likelihood”

McLaren endured their worst weekend of the season final trip in Azerbaijan.

Norris completed seventh after a lacklustre race.

Nonetheless, he gained six factors on Piastri, who crashed out on the opening lap of the race.

Schumacher sees Verstappen’s return to kind as a constructive for Norris’ title possibilities.

Schumacher stated on Sky Sport Germany’s Backstage Boxengasse podcast: “Lando sees a bit of sunshine on the finish of the tunnel once more. Max is right here, and he can now take factors away, which wasn’t the case earlier than.

“That’s additionally crucial on this scenario. If Lando manages to drive race and Max finishes between him and Oscar Piastri, he nonetheless has a sensible likelihood.”

Norris did obtain some criticism for his race drive as he misplaced pointless positions to Isack Hadjar after which Charles Leclerc early on.

One other sluggish McLaren pit cease arguably price Norris fifth, as he was unable to overcut Leclerc.

This additionally meant he couldn’t undercut Yuki Tsunoda, who stopped one lap later.

Schumacher defended Norris for driving a “flawless” race.

“In my view, that wasn’t sufficient. Lando might have gotten extra out of it,” Schumacher added. “He ought to have been additional up in qualifying. That will have made a distinction. The race often builds up fairly otherwise. He nonetheless has to work on that.

“Nonetheless, in contrast to his teammate, he drove a flawless race. He tried, however didn’t take any dangers. So, hats off to him. Lando was additionally happy that Oscar, who has often thrown some jabs at him, made a mistake himself.”