Oscar Piastri spies Azerbaijan GP 'advantage' over title rival Lando Norris

Oscar Piastri has suggested he has an “advantage” heading into the Azerbaijan Grand Prix this weekend over title rival Lando Norris.

With just eight rounds remaining in the campaign, Piastri leads Norris by 31 points in the drivers' championship.

The McLaren driver returns to the Baky City Circuit this weekend, 12 months on from his second career victory in F1 following a tense battle with Charles Leclerc.

Having already tasted success around the street track, Piastri believes it puts him in a strong position ahead of the upcoming race weekend.

“I’ve got extremely fond memories of Baku last year,” he said. 

“I regard that as one of my favourite races ever and it’s always an advantage coming back to a track where you’ve had a big result. 

“My only focus is achieving more of the same this weekend. I am leading the drivers' championship and I am very happy with where my driving is.”

Piastri's team-mate Norris will be hoping for a better outing compared to last year in Baku, where he was eliminated in qualifying at the end of Q1.

As he seeks to close down the gap to Piastri, Norris says he has been back at the McLaren factory to get himself in the best position possible.

“Street circuits bring a different challenge, and I can't wait to get out there and put myself to the test,” he said. 

“I’ve been back at MTC [McLaren Technology Centre], working hard to be in the best position to go for another win."