Lando Norris tipped to beat Oscar Piastri to maiden F1 title

Former F1 driver Giancarlo Fisichella believes Lando Norris will edge out McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri in their championship fight, pinning the Briton's experience as the decisive factor.

The battle between the McLaren duo has been a key storyline throughout the season, with both drivers showcasing different strengths as they chase a maiden title.

Piastri holds a 25-point advantage over Norris, a gap which was reduced by six points in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after the championship leader crashed out. 

Baku marked Piastri's worst weekend of the season, and one full of rare mistakes by the Australian. He made costly errors across practice, qualifying and the race. 

The 24-year-old crashed out in the closing minutes of Q3 at Turn 3, before crashing at Turn 5 on the opening lap of the race – he also jumped the start.

Fisichella highlighted a distinction between the pair's approaches. While Norris has shown flashes of brilliance mixed with inconsistency, Piastri has impressed with his measured performances and strategic thinking during races. 

However, Fisichella saw a different side to Piastri in Baku, a grand prix he judges as a turning point.

"It's so close," Fisichella told a gambling platform. "The first part of the championship, until the last race, was tight. Lando Norris was a bit up and down. Piastri was more consistent with the race pace in qualifying, and his race management was top notch.

"Baku was probably the first time I saw Piastri under pressure. Made mistakes in the qualifying session, in free practice and especially in the race, starting from the jump start and then in the first lap he hit the wall.

"It's difficult. Piastri at the moment, has more points. Both of them are good drivers, so it's difficult to call.

"I would say Norris because he's more experienced than Piastri. It's important for him to grab that chance this year. For Piastri, I'm sure he can win multiple titles in the future. I would say Norris."