Key Lando Norris F1 title fight advantage highlighted

Lando Norris has been told it is easier to be the “chaser” in an F1 title fight as he looks to overcome the deficit to team-mate Oscar Piastri.

Piastri currently holds a 22-point lead over Norris in the drivers' championship with six rounds remaining.

Norris has finished ahead of Piastri at the last three grands prix, eating into the 34-point gap that existed following the Briton's power unit-related non-finish at Zandvoort following the summer break.

Speaking to BettingLounge, Herbert believes Norris is in an advantageous position despite not possessing the championship lead.

“You do feel he has raised his game,” Herbert said. “It is shifting that way. Lando seems to have developed that little bit extra compared to Oscar. 

“He's the chaser and it's much easier being a chaser than someone who's trying to hang on. That side's going to be challenging.”

McLaren wrapped up the constructors' championship last time out in Singapore, an achievement that was somewhat overshadowed by a minor collision between Norris and Piastri on the opening lap.

The Woking-based squad has often highlighted the importance of “papaya rules”, relating to the principles both drivers have agreed to when it comes to ensuring clean wheel-to-wheel racing.

But with just six rounds remaining and little to pick between the two title contenders, Herbert called on McLaren to take a step back from managing the pair and let them fight.

“The race is on for that drivers' championship, and they've got to let the drivers show us why they will be the world champion at the end of the year,” he said.

“McLaren need to support both, but they need to give them freedom to race. That’s what Zak Brown has said they're free to race. 

“I hope that is going to be the case for the rest of the championship and the six races coming our way.”