Following the Hungarian Grand Prix‘s team order drama, McLaren finds itself in a tricky spot. Do they back Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri in the Formula 1 title race? Our writers delve into this burning question.
Over the past eight rounds, Piastri has scored 126 points compared to Norris’s 116. Piastri shone in Hungary with strong opening stints, while Norris made it a tough call with his final stint speed. However, Norris was undoubtedly the quicker driver at Spa.
Tyre management is a key area where Norris has traditionally excelled. Despite Norris’s expertise, Piastri is rapidly narrowing the gap. Norris’s four years of extra experience initially gave him the upper hand, but Piastri is catching up fast.
Norris’s slow starts cost him wins in Barcelona and Hungary. Even at Spa, he lost momentum by going wide at La Source. Piastri, in contrast, is composed and manages his emotions well, making fewer errors on the track.
McLaren’s strategies haven’t always balanced risk and conservatism, which has cost them more wins. Piastri’s calm demeanor and ability to separate his emotions make him a formidable competitor. Norris, however, needs to be kinder to himself and avoid self-criticism to retain his lead.
The Hungarian Grand Prix presented a dilemma for Norris: swap positions with Piastri or defy team orders for a win. He chose the former, maintaining team trust but losing the chance to reduce his deficit to Max Verstappen.
Norris’s relationship with the team and Piastri might have taken a hit had he not complied. Verstappen’s lead remains strong, and McLaren is still building towards a championship-winning form. Norris is a talent, but Piastri’s cold-blooded composure and performance level raise questions about his potential ceiling.
McLaren must focus on reducing errors and helping both drivers improve. Favoring one driver prematurely could damage morale and the team’s future. It’s a delicate balance, and McLaren’s culture of equal drivers faces a stern test.
Norris acknowledges Piastri’s calm approach and how it benefits the team. Red Bull’s Helmut Marko even commented on Piastri’s mental strength. Both drivers make mistakes, but Piastri’s errors are fewer. Norris still leads in qualifying and has an edge in tyre management, but Piastri’s lower error rate bodes well for his development.
Oscar Piastri’s progress has impressed many, including Norris. Piastri remains in the shadow, learning and growing quietly. His maiden F1 victory in Hungary showcased his professionalism and calmness under pressure.
McLaren faces a potential headache in managing two strong drivers. With Norris needing all the help he can get to challenge Verstappen, prioritizing him might seem logical. However, Piastri’s rising performance means McLaren must carefully manage this dynamic to keep both drivers happy. It’s a near-impossible task, but crucial for the team’s success.
The question of whether McLaren should back Norris or Piastri is complex. Both drivers have their strengths and areas for improvement. Balancing their development while maintaining team harmony will be McLaren’s biggest challenge moving forward.
