F1 title-deciding factor pinpointed between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri

Former F1 team principal Otmar Szafnauer has pinpointed an F1 title-deciding factor this season between McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. 

Following the opening six grands prix, Piastri holds a 16-point lead over Norris in the drivers' title, having won four races compared to the Briton's one.

McLaren has proven to so far have the strongest package on the grid, leading to expectation that the drivers' crown will go back to Woking; however, which side of the garage remains unknown. 

It has been a mixed start to the season for Piastri and Norris, with the latter having been the bookies favourite, even more so after a strong win in the Australia season-opener. 

Since then, Norris has made several mistakes at costly moments, whilst Piastri has been impeccably consistent with victories and podium finishes. 

Speaking in a special episode of the RacingNews365 podcast (now available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcast), Szafnauer agreed that Piastri has made remarkable progress.

"I think, Oscar is still on a learning curve. And I think you're right, it was pretty steep from last year to this year, and he's definitely progressed," said Szafnauer. 

"Lando is a formidable team-mate to have, he's also exceptionally good. And I think on one lap pace Lando is probably still ahead, but only marginally, not like last year."

Despite having made mistakes, Norris is expected to bounce back, potentially as soon as this weekend's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. 

Despite this, in Szafnauer's eyes, the title will be one by the McLaren driver who makes the least errors.

"And for me, the champion will be the one who makes the least amount of mistakes when racing. They're so close in competitiveness, and you know there will be some luck along the way. 

"But as time goes to infinity, as you get to 24 races, that luck is smoothed out, and the driver that is most consistent, makes the least amount of mistakes will be champion at the end. And I couldn't sit here and predict who that's going to be."