Former Ferrari, Honda and Williams F1 driver Rubens Barrichello has given his verdict on the Lando Norris vs Oscar Piastri title battle and Lewis Hamilton’s struggles with the Scuderia
Rubens Barrichello has heaped reward on McLaren for permitting a “absolutely open” Method 1 title struggle between its drivers. And, with simply 9 factors separating the pair with 10 rounds to go, the Brazilian former Ferrari racer can’t select between Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.
“It’s a good battle. It’s all people’s world, it’s not set and also you have no idea who’s going to win, which makes it extra thrilling,” Barrichello, 53, instructed Mirror Sport as a part of a wide-ranging interview. McLaren have been in a league of their very own this season, successful all however three of the 14 Grands Prix held to date.
They’re 299 factors forward of nearest rivals Ferrari, heading into subsequent Sunday’s Dutch Grand Prix, and are all-but assured of the groups’ title. All that’s left to be determined is which of their drivers would be the one to safe particular person glory.
Australian Piastri, 24, has led the standings since April however Brit Norris, 25, has been sizzling on his heels ever since. That features wins in three of the final 4 Grands Prix, considered one of which was a maiden success in his dwelling race at Silverstone. Unusually, although, for 2 team-mates locked in a title battle, the connection between them stays robust.
The one flashpoint to date was Norris crashing into the again of Piastri in Canada as he misjudged an tried overtake. The Brit crashed out, although Piastri was capable of proceed and Norris instantly accepted accountability, his apology accepted by his team-mate and McLaren boss Andrea Stella.
Barrichello, who partnered each Michael Schumacher and Jenson Button throughout World championship-winning seasons throughout his personal F1 profession, stated it’s “very uncommon” to see two battling team-mates getting alongside so properly. And the 11-time race winner thinks issues will stay simply as tight between Norris and Piastri for the remainder of the 12 months.
READ MORE: All I keep in mind concerning the 140mph F1 crash that almost killed me was saying ‘Oops’READ MORE: Rubens Barrichello on Ferrari and Michael Schumacher – ‘I used to be a part of one thing magic’
He stated: “It’s absolutely open. It’s simply good to see that you’ve got totally different methods enjoying round, as a result of when you’re caught to some degree of technique, it will depend on who qualifies in entrance. “As a result of there are another vehicles making an attempt to win as properly, you must put one automobile in one route and one other one in one other for the advantage of the crew, so typically it goes a technique that you weren’t pondering.”
Barrichello additionally stated he’s rooting for Lewis Hamilton to make successful of his Ferrari profession. It has been powerful going to date for the seven-time F1 champ who has struggled to adapt and, after the final race in Budapest earlier this month, declared himself “ineffective”.
However Barrichello, who has put in a large Ferrari badge on the wall of his luxurious Sao Paulo dwelling, needs to see the Brit succeed at his former crew. “He’s a brilliant driver that deserves every thing that he has conquered up to now,” the 53-year-old racer stated.
Hamilton, 40, received the Dash race in China earlier this 12 months however has didn’t even make the rostrum on the finish of a Grand Prix for Ferrari. He’s sixth within the championship, 42 factors behind team-mate Charles Leclerc who has managed 5 podiums to date this 12 months in the identical automobile.
However Barrichello stated: “It’s not now that he has forgotten the right way to drive,” including that he’s “completely positive” that Hamilton can win once more if Ferrari’s 2026 automobile is sweet sufficient to be within the title struggle.
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