Bernie Ecclestone: McLaren Has Chosen Norris as its Champion

Former Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has stirred controversy by suggesting McLaren’s team orders at the Italian Grand Prix reveal a preference for Lando Norris over Oscar Piastri in this season’s world championship battle.

Why it matters:

Ecclestone's comments ignite debate about potential team favoritism, especially as a tight championship fight unfolds between McLaren's two drivers.

The Details:

The controversy emerged when McLaren instructed Oscar Piastri to let Lando Norris pass late in the Monza race. This followed a sluggish pit stop for Norris, which had dropped him behind his teammate despite running second for most of the afternoon.

McLaren defended the decision, arguing it simply restored positions to where they had been prior to Norris's pit stop delay, which was not his fault. However, the call has divided opinion.

Former McLaren driver David Coulthard claimed the move was “manipulating” the result, while Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko ironically quipped it was “very fair.” Martin Brundle of Sky F1, however, urged caution, emphasizing the importance of team harmony.

Ecclestone's Stance:

When asked if McLaren’s logic was justifiable, Ecclestone was blunt: "They talk about fairness all the time. But is it fair for Piastri if he is punished for a mistake made by the team? No."

He added to Swiss outlet Blick: "You slowly get the feeling that McLaren prefers a world champion named Lando Norris. Mistakes like missed pit stops, engine failures, and suspension failures may have become less common, but they’re part of the sport."

The Big Picture:

With eight races remaining, only 31 points separate Norris and Piastri at the top of the championship standings. Piastri had previously overturned a 23-point deficit after his home race to lead since Saudi Arabia, before Norris began to close the gap.

McLaren has consistently stated its priority is ensuring both drivers can fight freely. However, Ecclestone’s remarks echo suspicions among many fans that the team’s Monza decision tipped the scales.

What's Next:

Whether the Monza incident proves to be a one-off or a sign of a shifting hierarchy could significantly impact the run-in to one of the closest F1 championship battles in years.