P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Former British Formula 1 driver Johnny Herbert has backed Oscar Piastri to fight Lando Norris next season for number-one status at McLaren.
Norris fell behind Championship leader Verstappen by 62 points following Verstappen’s triumph at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, paving the way for a potential World Championship win at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. McLaren had initially declared ‘papaya rules’ for Piastri and Norris, emphasizing equal treatment, although this principle was discarded when team orders were employed to bolster Norris’ championship aspirations, as seen in Brazil. Should Norris’ title chances fade, Herbert envisions 2025 as Piastri’s breakout at McLaren, highlighting a potential power shift within the team. The 2024 F1 season witnessed Red Bull’s dominance wane, as other teams like Ferrari, Mercedes, and McLaren secured victories and fostered intense competition with seven different race winners, setting up an electrifying 2025 season. Herbert anticipates an enthralling title battle next year among the top four teams, particularly if Mercedes can challenge more consistently as compared to 2024. Norris faces an uphill battle to keep his championship dreams alive, requiring a remarkable performance in Las Vegas to eclipse Verstappen by a minimum of three points, as McLaren reflects on their sluggish start impacting Norris’ 2024 title campaign.
