Hamilton’s simple advice for Piastri in championship fight

Lewis Hamilton has offered a wry piece of advice to Oscar Piastri as the Aussie continues his first Formula 1 title fight with Lando Norris.

Speaking to motorracing.com in Singapore, Hamilton was characteristically competitive when asked what he might tell Piastri if given the chance.

“We're competitors, I wouldn't pass anything onto him,” the seven-time champion replied with a smile.

“Also, you know, it's not that it's his first championship that he's fought for. He's obviously competed in championships for many years so there's not really much that I can say.

“I've not spoken to him so I don't know what frame of mind he's in. Don't give up any places, that's what I'm saying.”

Piastri, speaking at his own press conference shortly after, was philosophical about the comment.

“Yeah, I mean he has got a lot of experience fighting for and winning championships,” said Piastri.

“I appreciate the words of advice.”

Piastri left the Singapore Grand Prix with a 22-point lead over teammate Lando Norris, having led the drivers’ championship since the fifth round of the season in Saudi Arabia.

His lead ballooned to a season high of 34 points after the Dutch Grand Prix, when Norris retired from the race, before being trimmed back to 22 following Piastri’s own retirement in Baku and finishing behind him in both Italy and Singapore.

Hamilton, meanwhile, hasn’t led the drivers’ championship since round 15 in 2021 in Russia, when the then-Mercedes driver was in the midst of his infamous, intense battle with Max Verstappen for that year’s championship.

The contrasting fortunes of the pair were on display in Singapore, with Piastri finishing fourth and Hamilton eighth.

The Ferrari driver initially crossed the line in seventh but was handed a five-second penalty for track infringements, dropping him behind Fernando Alonso.

This article was originally written for motorsport.com. You can read the published version here