The Tension Between Teammates: McLaren and Formula 1
Formula 1, known for its unpredictability, often presents an additional drama: the competition between teammates for the drivers’ title. McLaren, a team with a rich history in the sport, has experienced this paradox firsthand, especially with the rivalry between Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.
The Italian Grand Prix this year is just one example of how McLaren has tried to maintain a fair balance between its drivers, a task that has required difficult decisions and tense moments. Below, we analyze the evolution of this dynamic and the precedents established, crucial for the eight remaining races of the 2025 season.McLaren’s Oscar Piastri y Lando Norris han estado codo a codo en el campeonato de este año.
The 2024 Hungarian Grand Prix: A Key Precedent
A little over a year ago, McLaren was still adapting to its new winning car. At the 2024 Hungarian Grand Prix, with Norris and Piastri seeking their first and second victories respectively, the team faced the difficult decision of who should win.
Norris, who had started from pole position, was overtaken by Piastri at the first corner. McLaren, seeking their first one-two finish since 2021, was forced to make a strategic decision to protect themselves from Lewis Hamilton. Norris was ordered to pit first, giving him an advantage with fresh tires. Although McLaren intended to reverse the positions, Norris was initially reluctant.
“I know you’ll do the right thing,” race engineer Will Joseph told Norris.
Will Joseph
Finally, Norris yielded to the team’s order, allowing Piastri to secure his first victory and a one-two finish for McLaren. This event set a precedent: if the strategy is altered to protect the second car, any subsequent position changes will be reversed on the track.Los McLaren de Lando Norris y Oscar Piastri terminaron en el podio, con el australiano consiguiendo su primera victoria en una carrera de F1.
The 2024 Italian Grand Prix: A New Chapter
In the 2024 Italian Grand Prix, the fight for Norris’s title intensified. After a dominant victory in Zandvoort, Norris achieved pole position in Monza, but Piastri snatched the lead from him. Norris lost positions and fell to third place.
After the discussions, McLaren decided to support Norris’s campaign, without expecting Piastri to concede victories, but rather to step aside in certain situations. Piastri pragmatically accepted these terms, recognizing the opportunity McLaren had given him.A pesar de que ninguno de los dos ganó, tanto Oscar Piastri como Lando Norris consiguieron la pole en Monza.
2024 Brazilian Sprint: A Team Act
In the sprint race of the Brazilian Grand Prix, McLaren directly favored Norris. Piastri, who was leading, received the order to let his teammate pass with two laps to go. Norris, grateful for the gesture, acknowledged the teamwork.
Norris’s victory in the sprint, although not without controversy, demonstrated Piastri’s willingness to collaborate with his teammate. This situation, with a difference of only one point, minimized the controversy.
Qatar Sprint 2024: An Unexpected Exchange
In the Qatar sprint race, Norris returned the favor to Piastri, conceding the victory to him on the last corner, even against the team’s instructions. This gesture, which underscored fair play between the drivers, rewarded Piastri’s attitude in Brazil.
2025 Australian Grand Prix: Early Intervention
In the inaugural race in Australia, McLaren intervened to control the battle between its drivers, ordering Piastri not to attack Norris. Although Piastri struggled and finished ninth, this was the first sign of control in the fight between the drivers.
2025 Canadian Grand Prix: Maturity in Adversity
The clash between Norris and Piastri in Montreal demonstrated the maturity of the drivers. Norris took the blame, reducing internal tension. Although the incident could have generated controversy, the outcome did not affect the relationship between the drivers.
Austrian Grand Prix 2025: Respect on the Track
In Austria, Piastri apologized for an overtaking attempt on Norris, demonstrating the mutual respect and fair play standards between the drivers. This situation reinforced the idea that the team has learned from past situations.
2025 British Grand Prix: Petition Rejected
Piastri requested a position swap, but McLaren denied it, maintaining the race result. Despite the request, Piastri acknowledged the team’s decision, highlighting the importance of expressing his ideas.
2025 Hungarian Grand Prix: Differentiated Strategy
McLaren allowed Norris to adopt a different strategy, which led him to victory over Piastri. This decision reaffirmed the policy of racing freedom between teammates.
Italian Grand Prix 2025: The Most Recent Precedent
McLaren’s most recent decision at the Italian Grand Prix generated controversy. Although the team extended the stints to take advantage of a possible safety car, Norris suggested that Piastri pit first. A problem with Norris’s tire change caused him to lose position to Piastri, and the team ordered the swap. The situation is similar to that of Hungary 2024, but with a different result. McLaren insists that the decision was consistent with its principles.
The team now faces the challenge of making decisions consistent with established precedents. McLaren intends to address these issues openly with its drivers to avoid unpleasant surprises.
