McLaren Faces Driver Dynamics Challenge Ahead of F1 2025 Season, Says Gary Anderson
McLaren’s resurgence in Formula 1 has been one of the sport’s most compelling storylines, culminating in the team clinching its first Constructors’ Championship since 1998 during the 2024 season. Powered by the formidable driver pairing of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, the Woking-based team managed to outscore Ferrari and reestablish itself as a dominant force. However, former F1 designer and pundit Gary Anderson believes McLaren may have to pay closer attention to the relationship between its drivers as the 2025 season unfolds.
The 2024 season saw Norris and Piastri working harmoniously for much of the year. However, early in the campaign, Piastri showed little inclination to play a supporting role to Norris, particularly during critical races in Hungary and Italy. In these Grands Prix, Piastri finished ahead of his teammate, even as Norris was fighting to close the points gap to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. While McLaren’s introduction of the so-called ‘Papaya Rules’ helped bring clarity to team strategy, it was evident that Piastri was unwilling to simply settle into the role of a clear number two driver.
By the latter stages of the season, Piastri did adapt to team orders when necessary, such as during the Brazilian Sprint race where he moved aside to allow Norris through. Despite this, Anderson noted that Piastri’s competitive spirit and on-track ambitions were only tempered by the slower start he had to the season. This initial performance gap allowed Norris to take the lead in McLaren’s internal pecking order, as he built up a points advantage and became the team’s primary contender in the championship battle.
Looking ahead to 2025, the dynamics within McLaren are expected to shift. Piastri, entering his third season in Formula 1, will likely aim to prove he can perform at the same level as Norris. With the slate wiped clean in terms of points at the start of the season, Piastri could challenge Norris more directly, potentially leading to friction between the two drivers.
Gary Anderson has highlighted this as a potential concern for McLaren, emphasizing the evenly matched nature of the team’s driver pairing. “From my point of view, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are the most evenly matched pairing on the grid,” Anderson wrote. This balance in talent is both an asset and a challenge for McLaren, as the team looks to manage the competitive fire of both drivers without allowing it to undermine their collective goals.
The absence of strict team orders further complicates the situation. While Norris has solidified himself as a team leader over recent seasons, Piastri’s natural progression and growing confidence may push him to challenge for equal status. If tensions rise, McLaren could face a scenario where internal rivalries distract from the ultimate objective of winning races and championships.
The stakes are particularly high as McLaren looks to sustain its newfound success. After years of rebuilding and playing catch-up to the likes of Mercedes and Red Bull, the team cannot afford to lose momentum. Achieving harmony between Norris and Piastri will be critical to maintaining their competitive edge and ensuring consistent results throughout the season.
Anderson believes McLaren’s management will need to adopt a proactive approach to avoid potential conflicts. Open communication, clear strategy, and a shared vision will be key to keeping both drivers aligned with the team’s objectives. How McLaren handles this dynamic could be pivotal in their quest for sustained dominance in Formula 1.
As the 2025 season looms, the Norris-Piastri dynamic promises to be one of the most fascinating storylines to watch. Both drivers have shown they are capable of delivering exceptional performances, and their rivalry—if managed effectively—could push McLaren to even greater heights. However, if tensions boil over, the team risks jeopardizing its hard-earned position at the front of the grid.
