McLaren has been tipped as the favourite even before the start of the 2025 season. The British racing team had the strongest car on the grid last season, enabling Lando Norris to vie for the driver’s title. Whether McLaren will back the Brit in his pursuit this year remains to be seen. Oscar Piastri also wants to compete for the title. McLaren CEO Zak Brown, however, is not worried that a potential title fight between the two will lead to tensions.
McLaren won the constructors’ championship in 2024, as the MCL38, unlike the RB20, was the strongest car on the grid. This allowed Lando Norris to even make a bid for the world title among the drivers. However, Max Verstappen proved too strong for the Brit. McLaren tried to assist the driver in his title fight, including giving team orders during the sprint race in São Paulo.
Now that McLaren has managed to clinch the constructors’ championship, it is expected that there will be more team orders for Norris and Piastri. McLaren CEO Zak Brown, however, is not worried that this will lead to tensions between the two drivers. “I’m not worried, but I’m aware that such a thing can happen if you’re not careful,” said the American, to Auto, Motor und Sport.
Two Lions in a Cage
Brown admits that there has been a history of rivalry between teammates in Formula 1. “There are plenty of examples from the past. Piquet versus Mansell, Hamilton versus Rosberg,” continues the CEO. “Much depends on the personalities of the drivers. We are fortunate to have two lions in a cage, but they get along well.”
McLaren’s strategy to ensure good cooperation between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri is to be as transparent as possible. “If a storm is brewing, we try to contain it before it gains strength,” says Brown. “That’s why we always involve our drivers together in our marketing activities, play golf together, and go out for dinner together in the evening. This helps us deal with difficult situations. I am quite confident that we can handle this in the future.”
