McLaren Considers Driver Prioritization in F1 Title Fight Against Verstappen

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has indicated the team is open to prioritizing one of its drivers, Oscar Piastri or Lando Norris, in the 2025 Formula 1 title race if Max Verstappen continues to pose a significant threat. However, this strategy would only be implemented when one driver is mathematically out of contention for the championship.

Why it matters:

McLaren currently leads the Constructors' Championship, with Piastri and Norris holding the top two spots in the Drivers' Championship. Verstappen's recent resurgence, including three wins in the last four races, has significantly narrowed the gap, transforming what seemed like a comfortable lead for McLaren into a tight three-way battle. The decision to potentially favor a driver highlights the high stakes and McLaren's strategic approach to securing a championship against a formidable opponent.

The Details:

• Verstappen's Resurgence: After a dominant performance at the United States Grand Prix, winning both the sprint and main race from pole, Verstappen has closed the points gap. He is now 40 points behind championship leader Piastri.
• Points Standings: Piastri currently leads the Drivers' Championship, with Norris 14 points behind him. Verstappen's strong run has seen him cut a 104-point deficit to Piastri in just five races.
• Strategic Stance: Stella emphasized that driver favoritism would be purely 'mathematics-led.' This approach is rooted in historical F1 title fights, where even a third-placed driver going into the final race has emerged as champion, such as Kimi Räikkönen in 2007 and Sebastian Vettel in 2010.
• Confidence in Performance: Despite Verstappen's momentum, Stella remains confident in McLaren's car and drivers. He believes there are still opportunities in the remaining five races and two sprints to extend their lead over Verstappen.
• No Further Upgrades: McLaren will not introduce any more upgrades for the remainder of the season, focusing instead on maximizing the performance of their current package and ensuring flawless execution during race weekends.

What's Next:

With five rounds remaining—Mexico, Brazil, Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi—the championship battle is set to be intense. McLaren aims to capitalize on tracks that suit their car and for both drivers to maximize their performance, asserting that the outcome of the season is 'in their hands.' If the mathematical scenario arises, McLaren will not hesitate to implement team orders to secure the championship.