Lewis Hamilton says Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris will have to be “absolute” in their respective bids to become Formula 1 world champions for the first time if they are to beat a resurgent Max Verstappen this year.
The fight for the 2025 Drivers’ Championship is reaching a thrilling conclusion as Red Bull’s reigning champion joins this season’s McLaren protagonist in what looks to be a true three-way fight, starting this weekend in Mexico with five races remaining.
McLaren teammates Piatri and Norris are separated by just 14 points, while Verstappen is now just 40 points behind the leaders after winning three of the last four races.
Ferrari’s Hamilton, who shares the most titles in history with Michael Schumacher with seven, was asked what advice he would give to Piastri and Norris in their respective attempts to win their first title, amid an increasing challenge from four-time winner Verstappen in a fierce title battle in 2021.
Hamilton said: “I mean they’ve won other championships in other divisions. I’m not the person who wants to give them advice, but it’s difficult when you’re in a team in that scenario. The pressure is high.
“It’s definitely time to put up the blinders. You have to block out absolutely everything from the outside because there are so many things coming in, both positive and negative.
“You also have to be really thirsty. That’s Max. If they don’t do the same, he’s going to take it away.
“They have to push, they have to dig deep to first stop someone like Max from being in the car he is in now.
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Take a look back at some of the most controversial moments between teammates Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
“But we also know that consistency is key for either of us to lead and we’ve seen that with Max over the last few races.”
Hamilton believes it is good for the sport that championship competition has been extended to drivers on second teams.
“I think it’s really good,” Hamilton said.
“The team right in front of us (McLaren) beat the constructors and it’s still exciting to have both drivers competing for the championship.
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Lando Norris was amused by the ‘tapegate’ situation after a Red Bull teammate attempted to remove the tape next to the grid box at the US GP.
“But when you add other teams and drivers, it gets a lot more exciting, and that’s what this sport should be.
“It’s been really nice to be able to battle against another team, Max, and be consistent with the battle developing throughout the year. I think people are seeing that.”
‘Being a hunter is much easier than being a defender’
Norris and Verstappen have both surpassed points leader Piastri in each of the last four weekend races, increasing the pressure on the Australian who has led the standings since the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in April.
As the hunted man, Hamilton believes Piastri is in a more difficult position.
The 40-year-old said: “I’m glad to see that this massive battle is happening now, but like you, I don’t really know what to expect.”
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Max Verstappen has denied claims he is driving better than ever after his impressive win at the United States Grand Prix.
“We have three incredibly talented drivers. You can’t predict how they will all do, but of course Max has won four times so he knows what it’s like and being a hunter is a lot easier than being a defender.
“When you’re in the lead and someone cuts your lead that affects you more than when you’re chasing. If you’re chasing you have nothing to lose, but when you’re in the lead you have everything to lose.
“It will be interesting to see how they handle it. We will all get to witness it and it will be interesting either way.”
Sky Sports F1 Mexico City GP Schedule
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Take a look back at some of the most dramatic moments from the Mexico City Grand Prix.
Friday, October 24
7:00 PM: Mexico City GP Practice 1 (session starts at 7:30 PM)
9pm: F1 Show
10 PM: Team leader press conference
10:45 PM: Mexico City GP Practice 2 (session starts 11 PM)*
Saturday, October 25th
6.15pm: Mexico City GP Practice 3 (session starts at 6.30pm)
9pm: Preparing for Mexico City GP qualifying*
10pm: Mexico City GP Qualifying*
Sunday, October 26
6.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Mexico City GP strengthened*
8 p.m.: Mexico City Grand Prix*
10pm: Checkered flag: Mexico City GP reaction
*Applies to Sky Sports main event as well
Formula 1’s thrilling title race continues at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez this weekend for the Mexico City Grand Prix, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports NOW – No Commitment, Cancel Anytime
