While most top teams have a clear first driver, the roles at McLaren are up for debate. Last year, Oscar Piastri was often outperformed by rival Lando Norris, although there were moments when the young Australian came out on top. Norris anticipates another competitive season with Piastri, especially as his teammate is also eyeing a title.
Where reigning world champion Max Verstappen is likely to face little opposition from teammate Liam Lawson, both McLaren drivers are vying for the title. Motorsport Week recently asked Lando Norris if the lack of a defined role hinders him. Shouldn’t the team designate a first driver if Verstappen once again takes the lead in the championship? “It’s very difficult to answer that question,” responded the 25-year-old Brit.
“I think the way we handled this issue last year was very good,” Norris assured. In 2024, McLaren employed the much-discussed papaya rules; Norris and Piastri were allowed to compete against each other, provided the team would not be disadvantaged. “Yet it’s different again – how we start the year is decisive,” Norris referred to the team’s level of competitiveness.”
‘Piastri is Ready’
“I know that Oscar (Piastri) is hungry for a championship, like every driver,” Norris continued. “And of course, he is capable of winning a title. But at the same time, I want to take it race by race. That’s also the mentality of our team. Everyone knows that we want to beat each other and that we both want to be the best. That’s nothing more than normal. Personally, I don’t think it’s going to change anything,” he referred to the relationship with his teammate. “I hope it doesn’t change anything, but at the same time, I know that in some ways it will be different. That’s just how competition works – every driver wants to prove themselves.”
Piastri himself says that he is ready to compete for the world championship. There are also supporters of the 23-year-old driver in the media. Former team boss Günther Steiner told News Corp that 2025 will be Piastri’s year. “He’s ready,” said Steiner. “He learned a lot from last year. In terms of talent, he and his teammate are close – they have the same speed. Over the course of the season, one of them will have to go for the drivers’ championship.”
