Norris, Piastri Target 'Big Points' in Brazil as Stella Cautions Against Verstappen Threat

McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are setting their sights on maximizing points at the Brazilian Grand Prix, with team principal Andrea Stella emphasizing the team's commitment to the Drivers' Championship while acknowledging the formidable challenge posed by Max Verstappen. Both drivers have expressed their excitement for the São Paulo GP, especially with it being a Sprint weekend offering more scoring opportunities.

Why it matters:

McLaren enters the final stretch of the 2025 season with both its drivers leading the championship standings, a significant achievement for the team. The Brazilian Grand Prix, a Sprint weekend, presents a crucial opportunity to consolidate their position or even extend their lead in a tightly contested title fight. However, the consistent threat of reigning champion Max Verstappen looms large, making every race a critical battle for points and momentum.

The Details:

• Norris's Preparation: Lando Norris, currently leading the championship, spent time at the team's Woking HQ, debriefing the previous double-header and working on the simulator to prepare for Interlagos. His goal is to secure the 'maximum points' available from the Sprint weekend.
• Piastri's Focus: Oscar Piastri, trailing Norris by a single point, also highlighted the importance of gaining 'big points' (up to 33 over the weekend) in Brazil. He enjoys the Interlagos track for its elevation changes and mix of straights and tight sections, noting the potential influence of weather.
• Stella's Caution: Team Principal Andrea Stella expressed pride in his drivers leading the championship but stressed awareness of the 'very strong opponent' in Max Verstappen, a four-time World Champion. He acknowledged that while the MCL39 was the fastest car in Mexico City, this might not be replicated in São Paulo due to tight competition.
• Sprint Weekend Strategy: Stella highlighted the Sprint format as both an opportunity for more points and a challenge due to limited practice time, requiring greater attention to detail for car setup. The unpredictable weather in São Paulo is also a known factor that could influence the race outcomes.

The Big Picture:

McLaren's double-header leadership in the Drivers' Championship signifies a remarkable turnaround and a strong competitive package. The team's focused approach on maximizing points in Brazil, coupled with a cautious respect for Verstappen's capabilities, reflects their strategic mindset. With the season drawing to a close, every race holds immense weight, and McLaren's ability to maintain performance and reliability under pressure will be key to their championship aspirations.

What's next:

McLaren will aim to capitalize on the Sprint weekend format in Brazil to score as many points as possible, while also adapting to the challenging and often unpredictable conditions of Interlagos. Resolving car setup quickly with limited practice and managing the potential for variable weather will be crucial for Norris and Piastri to maintain their championship lead against a relentless competitor like Max Verstappen.