Lando Norris is struggling to find a way past Max Verstappen on the track. According to Ralf Schumacher, the British driver’s inability to master the art of overtaking is holding him back from becoming world champion. Ralf, a former Formula 1 driver and brother of Michael Schumacher, believes Norris has been in the sport long enough to have figured out how to overcome Verstappen’s strong defenses.
Overtaking is a skill that can be learned
Ralf points to examples of drivers who have successfully developed this skill. “Some drivers have an eye for how to handle the defense of the person they’re attacking,” he says. Max Verstappen, Oscar Piastri, and Oliver Bearman are cited as examples of drivers who can prepare an overtake that their opponents can’t counter. Ralf argues that Norris lacks this skill, putting him at a disadvantage when facing stronger opponents.
The key issue is Norris’s tendency to end up in the wrong place at the wrong time when faced with resistance. Ralf believes this is a major problem that Norris needs to address if he wants to become world champion. However, Ralf is skeptical that Norris can develop this skill. “In my opinion, Lando can’t learn that, and the situation isn’t going to change,” he says.
Implications for Norris’s title chances
This raises questions about Norris’s chances of becoming world champion. Ralf thinks Norris’s only hope is to dominate the competition and stay ahead without making mistakes. The list of requirements for Norris to succeed includes:
- Mastering the art of overtaking
- Developing a strong qualifying performance
- Consistently executing a flawless race
Ralf’s assessment highlights the challenges Norris faces in his pursuit of the world championship.