F1 News Today: McLaren expected to make No 1 driver decision in…readmore
McLaren’s Formula 1 team is poised to make a significant decision regarding their driver lineup as the 2025 season approaches. The team has traditionally maintained a policy of equal status between their drivers, but recent developments suggest a potential shift in this approach.
In the 2024 season, McLaren secured their first Constructors’ Championship in 26 years, with Lando Norris finishing as the runner-up in the Drivers’ Championship. Oscar Piastri, in his second season with the team, demonstrated remarkable growth, securing his maiden F1 victory in Hungary and adding another win in Azerbaijan. His performance has been a pleasant surprise, as he stepped up his race pace to complement his already impressive qualifying speed.
This unexpected surge in Piastri’s performance has led to speculation that McLaren may consider designating a primary driver for the upcoming season. Bernie Collins, a former strategy expert at McLaren and Aston Martin, noted that the team might have been caught off guard by Piastri’s improvement and could now be contemplating a change in their driver hierarchy.
Both Norris and Piastri have expressed their ambitions for the 2025 season. Norris has pledged to adopt a more aggressive approach, aiming to challenge Max Verstappen for the World Championship. He emphasized the importance of being both assertive and strategic in his racing to avoid losing valuable points early in the season.
Piastri, on the other hand, feels more prepared and on equal footing with Norris after addressing his weaknesses from the previous season. He is optimistic about his chances of becoming World Champion, highlighting the need to consistently overcome challenges every weekend.
McLaren’s team principal, Andrea Stella, has emphasized the team’s commitment to providing both drivers with equal opportunities. However, the recent performances and aspirations of Norris and Piastri may prompt the team to reconsider their traditional approach. The decision to designate a primary driver could have significant implications for the team’s strategy and dynamics in the upcoming season.
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on McLaren to see how they navigate this potential shift in their driver lineup and whether they will continue with their policy of equal status or opt for a more defined driver hierarchy.
