Lando Norris target of a brutal verdict from Helmut Marko when compared to Oscar Piastri

Red Bull team advisor Helmut Marko claimed that McLaren driver Oscar Piastri was mentally stronger than teammate Lando Norris. The duo have been arguably the best driver's lineup in terms of consistent performances and have extracted the results from their MCL36, which has been the fastest car on the grid lately.

Their partnership has been one of the most closely matched on the grid in terms of points over the first 14 races, with each of them winning a race so far. However, the Australian driver has been consistently getting the maximum performance and results out of the car in recent races compared to his British teammate.

Speaking with Sky Germany, Helmut Marko gave his assessment of Lando Norris's recent run of races after the Belgian GP and said:

"The fact that Max was able to keep Lando behind him was a fantastic achievement. From what I've seen, Norris was also slightly outgunned twice. So it's going to be a hell of a job (in the second half of the season)."

"I don't know what the points difference is between the two McLaren drivers, but it seems that Piastri is mentally the stronger one. Oscar has gradually closed the gap to Lando and is sometimes even faster. But we'll see how the decision turns out," he added.

Former F1 driver advises Lando Norris after a poor start at the Belgian GP

Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher stated that McLaren driver Lando Norris urgently needed to rectify his issues regarding the race start as he has lost positions in the last three races.

Speaking with Sky Germany, the former Williams F1 driver said:

"He urgently needs to change it, because otherwise, the relatively cool Piastri will catch up with him at some point when he puts it all together in the races. Working with a mental coach can help to more confidence and to become calmer. Relaxation exercises also help.

"For example, you do it with chosen music, you concentrate on something. Skiers are brilliant, they go down the slopes to the second, you don't have that in motorsports. Everyone does it in their own way. Some drivers don't need it, but Lando I think could use some support," he added.

Lando Norris is currently P2 in the Driver's Championship with 199 points and remains 78 points behind Max Verstappen in the title race with 10 races and three sprints remaining.

Oscar Piastri, however, is P4 in the standings with 167 points and has slowly caught up to his teammate, who has more experience. He is 10 points behind Charles Leclerc and five points ahead of Carlos Sainz.