F1 Legend Bernie Ecclestone Alleges McLaren Favors Lando Norris Over Oscar Piastri

Bernie Ecclestone, the former F1 supremo, has weighed in on the championship battle, accusing McLaren of clearly favoring Lando Norris over Oscar Piastri. Ecclestone's comments suggest a deliberate strategy by the British team to prioritize their home-grown talent, attributing it to Norris's greater marketability and public presence, which he believes serves McLaren's commercial interests.

Why it matters:

Ecclestone's accusations, if true, highlight a controversial aspect of team dynamics in Formula 1: the potential for internal politics to influence on-track performance and driver development. Such claims can significantly impact team morale, driver perception, and the fairness of competition, especially as the championship battle intensifies. It raises questions about how teams balance individual driver ambitions with team objectives and commercial considerations.

The Details:

• Allegations of Favoritism: Ecclestone stated in an interview with RTL/ntv and sport.de that "McLaren prefers Norris in the second half of the season." He observed that while Piastri was faster early in the season, the team has since "slowed down the Australian more often, with different means."
• Motivation Cited: According to Ecclestone, McLaren's preference for Norris stems from his greater "star and marketing qualities, more camera presence, and public exposure," making him a more commercially viable asset for the team.
• Impact on Piastri: Ecclestone believes these alleged "Papaya Rules" have negatively affected Piastri, leading to increased frustration and fatigue. He noted that Piastri is "annoyed that he can no longer win races as easily, while Norris is obviously favored within the team."

The big picture:

Team orders and internal preferences have long been a contentious topic in F1. While teams often deny such practices, the perception of favoritism can create significant tension between drivers and within the team structure. McLaren, a team with a rich history, would face considerable scrutiny if these allegations gain traction, potentially affecting their brand image and future driver acquisitions. The current championship standings, with Verstappen 36 points behind Norris, add another layer of complexity to the narrative.

What's next:

Despite the internal dynamics at McLaren, Ecclestone remains confident in Max Verstappen's championship prospects, predicting he will secure the title once again. He praises Verstappen as "the best, not a politician, but a real racer" and expects him to perform strongly, especially in the upcoming São Paulo race, where variable weather conditions, including rain, could play into his hands. If Verstappen can overcome his current 36-point deficit, it would underscore his exceptional talent, regardless of the alleged team politics elsewhere on the grid.