Oscar Piastri recently shared insights into a strategic shift at McLaren that promises to keep both drivers on equal footing this F1 season.
McLaren is adopting a new strategy for their 2025 season upgrades, as Oscar Piastri revealed that both he and teammate Lando Norris will benefit from simultaneous updates to their cars. This marks a significant change from last season when upgrades were deployed as soon as they were ready, resulting in staggered rollouts among the team due to the dire need to close a points gap in the Constructors’ Championship.
Last year, the urgency to enhance performance meant that sometimes only one car would receive an upgrade ahead of the other. This year, however, both drivers find themselves in strong positions in the Drivers’ Championship standings. Piastri emphasized the expectation that both he and Norris ‘will have the same car every weekend’ while the opportunity remains possible.
As McLaren aims to sustain their favorable standing in the Constructors’ Championship, the team assures that both drivers will continue to race on a level playing field. Piastri noted, ‘We have already a decent gap in the Constructors’ Championship and both of us fighting for the Drivers’ Championship’. Therefore, equal opportunities are guaranteed for both drivers as long as resources allow.
McLaren has moved towards a flexible racing approach internally, often labeled as ‘papaya rules,’ which let the drivers race each other freely when possible. Despite this policy, Piastri highlighted the critical importance of qualifying well. ‘Qualifying is incredibly important,’ he said, stressing the advantages of clean air and front-row starts. Although intra-team dynamics play a role, he noted that starting ahead provides a significant competitive edge.
The new strategy not only aligns with McLaren’s vision for equitable competition between Piastri and Norris but also puts a strong emphasis on strategic planning and execution. As the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix looms, both drivers look to capitalize on their setup, knowing each has equal machinery at their disposal.
With McLaren’s strategic shift, Piastri and Norris are set to compete on an equal footing, striving for supremacy both within their team and in the challenging F1 field. The upcoming races will be a testament to how well this approach can support their championship pursuits.
