Lewis Hamilton says chasing is easier than defending lead

Lewis Hamilton has commented connected the rubric conflict betwixt Lando Norris, Oscar Piastre and Max Verstappen, stressing that “being the chaser is simply a batch easier than being the defender”.

Following the Mexican Grand Prix, a play successful which Lando Norris reclaimed the pb successful the drivers’ standings, the seven-time Formula 1 champion has fixed his thoughts connected the intelligence crippled that present awaits the 3 rubric contenders. Norris drove brilliantly to his sixth triumph of the play and took the pb from teammate Oscar Piastre, portion Max Verstappen took different podium decorativeness to support his rubric hopes alive.

“It’s large to spot specified a beardown rubric fight,” Hamilton told Sky Sports. “We’ve got 3 highly talented drivers and honestly, I can’t foretell however things volition go. But Max has been champion 4 times, helium knows what it’s like. Being the chaser is simply a batch easier than being the defender.”

Hamilton explained the intelligence difference: “When you’re starring and idiosyncratic is gradually closing successful connected you, it puts unit connected you. When you’re racing, you person thing to lose, portion the person has everything to lose. So it volition beryllium absorbing to spot however helium handles that pressure. We’ll each beryllium watching it together, and it’s going to beryllium exciting.”

Norris defends title

Norris’ triumph successful Mexico ended his winless streak since the Hungarian Grand Prix and moved backmost to the apical of the championship, conscionable 1 constituent up of Oscar Piastrius. The Australian had a pugnacious play and finished fifth, his 4th contention successful a enactment without a podium finish.

On the different hand, Max Verstappen continues his emergence this season. Third spot successful Mexico allowed him to further adjacent the spread and helium is present 36 points down person Norris. Although the rubric would beryllium hard to triumph astatine the moment, the four-time satellite champion is not giving up; helium is alert that McLaren’s mistakes could unfastened the doorway to an unthinkable turnaround.

There are 4 races near successful the play finale, including 2 sprint races, which means that galore points are inactive up for grabs. Hamilton believes that intelligence stableness and acquisition volition decide: "When you're successful the combat for the title, it's not ever the fastest operator who wins - it's the 1 who tin grip the unit best."