Herbert: Piastri cracking as norris takes momentum in F1 title fight
F1 Teams NewsTuesday, 07 October 2025 at 15:44
Johnny Herbert believes Oscar Piastri is beginning to crack under pressure in McLaren’s Formula 1 title battle, with Lando Norris now carrying the momentum after the 2025 Singapore Grand Prix.
Former F1 driver, Herbert, urged McLaren boss Zak Brown to let his drivers - Norris and Piastri - race freely, suggesting the rivalry could become the modern-day version of “Prost versus Senna.”
Piastri accused Norris of overstepping the mark after their first-lap clash in Singapore, but Herbert dismissed that claim completely: “I don't think there was anything wrong with what Lando did. Yes, there was a little bit of rubbing each other, but that's racing.
"Oscar was the one who put himself in that position after getting close to Max and losing momentum, which allowed Lando to go down the inside, then around the outside of Turn 3. Okay, they touched, he had a little wiggle, but that’s what it’s all about.”
Herbert said it was “bizarre” for Piastri to demand the place back, adding that McLaren’s so-called ‘papaya rules’ were being used for self-gain: “They’re using the papaya rules to try and benefit themselves. I’m really glad the stewards didn’t get involved. It was right for Lando and wrong for Oscar to be so uptight about it.”
The pressure is building on McLaren drivers
Herbert believes the mental strain of leading the championship is starting to show: “We're seeing those little, tiny pressure cracks from Oscar. The cool Piastri that everyone was talking about at the start of the season isn’t there.
"The pressure’s building, and when it builds in a championship fight, it’s the one with the stronger mentality who prevails. It wasn't the perfect result for Lando, but he was ahead of Oscar. It’s come down to 22 points, and he’s piling the pressure on. McLaren have won the Constructors’ now, so they’ve got to let them race.”
Herbert rejected any notion that the team is favouring Norris: “I didn't agree with what happened in Monza. Long pit stops happen; it happened again in Singapore with Oscar. Favouring? No. McLaren try to be as fair as they can, but sometimes they’re too ‘teamy teamy’.
"When you’re in the cockpit, you’re on your own. You’re there to race for yourself. This might be Oscar and Lando’s only chance to win a world championship in the next couple of years. The team’s got to let them do it. Play clean games, out-psych, out-race, and win on talent. Let them race.”
Herbert said the relationship between the two drivers is changing and may evolve into one of Formula 1’s classic rivalries: “Oscar has always been seen as the mentally stronger, but now there’s negativity creeping in. Meanwhile, Lando’s found that sharp edge he needed. He’s no longer too nice — he’s dictating his destiny."
Rivalry echoes Prost vs Senna at McLaren
The British racing veteran predicted: “This could be like Prost versus Senna, but without the dark arts. I don’t think either would drive the other into the wall, but they’ll push boundaries. Having a little rub as we saw in Singapore? I don’t have a problem with that — that’s what racing is.”
Herbert added that if one driver goes too far, it might be Piastri. “There will be that extra edge that might have to come into play. I hope it’s not dirty, but you never know. If it goes one way, I’d say that’s potentially more Oscar.”
Herbert said Norris benefitted most in Singapore and is emerging as the stronger contenders: “Lando benefitted most because he’s got closer to Oscar. Max has won the last two on fast tracks, but Singapore was more technical and Lando still came out on top of the McLarens.
"He’s now just 22 points behind, and momentum is with him. It’s easier being the hunter than the hunted. You feel Lando has raised his game. The shift is happening - he’s developed that little bit extra compared to Oscar," added Herbert.
(Source: BettingLounge)
2025 Formula 1 World Championship standings after Round 18, Singapore Grand Prix
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