McLaren 'Not Naive' About Norris-Piastri Rivalry, But Doesn't Expect Escalation

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella believes the intense intra-team title fight between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, currently separated by just one point with four races left, will not escalate into a damaging rivalry. Despite past incidents and the high stakes, Stella emphasizes McLaren's commitment to fairness and open dialogue, drawing on Formula 1's historical lessons.

Why it matters:

Mclaren's decision to allow its drivers to race freely has kept the 2025 drivers' championship fiercely alive, a rare sight in modern F1. However, this approach carries significant risk, as seen in the team's own history (e.g., 2007). Maintaining harmony and ensuring both drivers continue to cooperate will be crucial for McLaren to capitalize on their competitive car and avoid internal strife derailing a potential championship win.

The Details:

• Close Championship Battle: Lando Norris leads teammate Oscar Piastri by a single point heading into the Brazilian Grand Prix, having overtaken him in Mexico. Defending champion Max Verstappen is 36 points behind Norris.
• Team Philosophy: McLaren has been almost unprecedented in allowing its drivers to fight openly for the championship, demanding significant buy-in from both Norris and Piastri.
• Past Incidents: The 'free-to-fight' approach hasn't been without its challenges:
  • Monza: Piastri expressed unease when asked to swap positions with Norris, leading to in-depth discussions.
  • Singapore: The pair clashed, resulting in