McLaren Champion Mika Hakkinen Weighs In on Piastri vs. Norris Title Fight

The 2025 F1 championship battle between McLaren teammates Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri is reaching a fever pitch, with former McLaren champion Mika Hakkinen emphasizing the significant advantage of Norris's experience. While Piastri currently leads in points, the season's final six races and a resurgent Max Verstappen promise a thrilling conclusion.

Why it matters:

The McLaren intra-team championship fight is a rare spectacle, but a lurking threat from Max Verstappen and Red Bull adds another layer of intrigue. The outcome will not only determine the 2025 Drivers' Champion but also set the tone for McLaren's future competitive aspirations, especially with significant regulation changes looming in 2026.

The Details:

• Current Standings: Oscar Piastri leads the championship with 336 points (7 wins, 14 podiums), followed by Lando Norris with 314 points (5 wins, 14 podiums). Max Verstappen is in third with 273 points, gaining momentum.
• Expert Opinions: Two-time F1 champion Mika Hakkinen believes either McLaren driver can win, noting Piastri's strength and Norris's invaluable experience. However, he acknowledges Norris's points deficit.
• Verstappen's Resurgence: Reigning champion Max Verstappen has outperformed both McLaren drivers in the last three races (Italy, Azerbaijan, Singapore), showcasing Red Bull's continued development even as McLaren shifts focus to 2026.
• Development Philosophy: McLaren has reportedly ceased 2025 upgrades to concentrate on the 2026 regulation overhaul. In contrast, Red Bull continues to introduce subtle but impactful tweaks, like a new floor in Italy, transforming their RB21.
• Track Characteristics: Red Bull CEO Laurent Mekies highlights that upcoming circuits, particularly those with mid-speed corners like Circuit of The Americas and Mexico City, have historically favored McLaren, suggesting a varied challenge for all contenders.

The Big Picture:

This championship fight is taking place against a backdrop of strategic decisions regarding future car development. McLaren's early pivot to 2026 regulations could be a double-edged sword: it might sacrifice immediate title chances to gain an advantage in the new era, or it could allow Verstappen to snatch the title if Red Bull continues its aggressive 2025 development. The pressure on both McLaren drivers, as noted by Jacques Villeneuve, is immense, making mental fortitude as crucial as on-track performance.

What's next:

The championship will be decided over the final six Grands Prix, with each race potentially swinging the momentum. The tactical battle between McLaren and Red Bull's development strategies will be fascinating to observe, as will the individual performances of Piastri, Norris, and Verstappen under immense pressure. The ultimate victor will not be known until the checkered flag waves in Abu Dhabi.