Coulthard on McLaren: Equal Cars, Potential Unconscious Bias for Norris

Former McLaren driver David Coulthard believes the team provides Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri with equal machinery, but he suggests an "unconscious bias" may favor the more established British driver. Coulthard likened the potential dynamic to a parent being slightly closer to one child than another, emphasizing that such a bias isn't necessarily intentional. This perspective adds a new layer to the season-long debate about driver treatment at the Woking-based squad.

Why it matters:

The perception of favoritism can poison a team's atmosphere and directly impact a championship fight. For a team like McLaren, which has worked hard to rebuild a winning culture, maintaining genuine parity is crucial for long-term success and keeping both of its young, talented drivers motivated and focused on the collective goal.

The details:

• Equal Machinery: Coulthard is adamant both drivers fight in identical cars, crediting team leadership like Zak Brown and Andrea Stella for fostering a winning culture.
• Unconscious Bias: The former driver suggested Norris's longer relationship with the team (152 Grands Prix) could naturally create a bias, comparing it to a parent being "slightly closer to one child than the other."
• Piastri's Performance: Coulthard also noted that Oscar Piastri still has areas to develop, pointing out that his championship challenge "imploded" after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix despite a flawless start to the season.

Looking Ahead:

As McLaren heads into the 2025 season, managing the dynamic between Norris and Piastri will be critical. While the team insists on parity, Coulthard's comments highlight how personal relationships and driver experience can subtly influence a team's internal politics. How Piastri responds to his late-season slump and continues to close the experience gap will be a key storyline to watch.