Lando is first among equals

Damon: Race isn't over by a long stretch but no denying...

- BY DANIEL MOXON

DAMON HILL is backing Lando Norris to win the Formula One crown this year but has warned his fellow Brit it's far from wrapped up just yet.

That's because beleaguered McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri, 24 points behind him in the standings, can still revive his fading championship charge. And four-time champion Max Verstappen, even further back, "will not give up while there's even a sliver of a chance".

Norris, 26, has won the past two races to take the title race by the scruff of the neck with three rounds to go, starting in Las Vegas next weekend.

And 1996 title winner Hill said: "Lando has found something, hasn't he? And it's been perfect timing.