Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert believes Lando Norris' current relaxed state is "very powerful" in the title fight, while 1996 champion Damon Hill is convinced something has changed in his approach.
Norris finds himself leading the F1 drivers' title ahead of this weekend's São Paulo Grand Prix, following a strong run of form in recent rounds.
The Briton had fallen 34 points behind McLaren sparring partner Oscar Piastri after a shock retirement in the Dutch GP, following an unexpected oil leak caused by a chassis issue.
Since Zandvoort, Norris has not finished a race behind his team-mate, which has seen him take the lead of the standings by a point.
Within the McLaren garage, it is Norris who holds the momentum, particularly after a dominant Mexican GP which saw him claim victory over Max Verstappen by 30 seconds.
A noticeable change in Norris is how relaxed he has been in recent races, something Herbert has recognised and viewed as pivotal in the quest for a maiden drivers' title.
"The wheels fell off Lando in Holland, strangely," said Herbert on the Stay on Track podcast. "But actually, the bounce back has been immense from it, from that difficult race weekend.
"I know there was all the kerfuffle we had in Monza with the papaya rules that they've got. But yeah, Lando, I have to say, has come back massively strong.
"And actually, last time out, he looked mentally very good in Mexico. He looks so so strong and so relaxed. I haven't seen him so relaxed. I think that's very powerful."
Building on Herbert's point, Hill is convinced something has changed within Norris' approach, possibly through guidance from someone else.
"Something's happened as well," added Hill. "Something has, he's either had someone giving him a little bit of guidance, or he's found inspiration from within himself.
"He's had a little talking to himself or something, because these guys are on the verge of greatness."
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