Ralf Schumacher criticised Lando Norris’ approach to his World Championship fight with Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen. The Brit currently trails his team-mate by 10 points at the top of the standings. 

“He made that mistake, but in my opinion, he wanted it too much, or rather, he had understeer at that point because he didn’t reach the apex,” Schumacher told the Backstage Boxengasse podcast.

“That can happen, but of course, that shouldn’t happen when you’re racing for the World Championship. No question about it, you have to take a closer look at that. Of course, we don’t see the data, but yes, it looks like a mistake on his part. That shouldn’t happen when you’re racing for the World Championship. But, one thing is also clear, he already knows what’s going on, right?

“And he knows that if he doesn’t perform this year, it will be difficult for him [to work with] other teams at some point. But then, you know how it is in the paddock, once they think that you’re a rubbish driver or not mentally strong enough to become world champion, then of course, you no longer have access to the other top teams.”