Woking, UK – McLaren has made a decisive strategic shift, dismantling its internal "repercussion" system to consolidate its full attention on thwarting Max Verstappen’s formidable challenge for the 2025 Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship. Team Principal Andrea Stella confirmed the move, signalling a unified front from the Woking-based squad as their drivers, Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, navigate an increasingly intense title fight against the resurgent Dutchman.

In what has become a fiercely contested 2025 season, Verstappen, piloting the formidable RB21, has mounted a dramatic comeback, securing victory in three of the last four Grand Prix events, alongside a dominant performance in the recent Austin sprint race. This surge has significantly eroded the once-commanding lead held by the McLaren duo, who had previously established themselves as the dominant force early in the championship.

With just five rounds remaining in the 2025 campaign, Piastri currently holds the top spot in the drivers’ standings, leading his teammate Norris by a narrow 14-point margin. Reigning world champion Verstappen trails Piastri by 40 points, a deficit that represents a remarkable recovery from a substantial 104-point gap just five rounds prior. Verstappen’s resurgence is attributed not only to a series of impactful upgrades introduced to the RB21 but also to the internal rivalry and occasional clashes between Piastri and Norris, in contrast to Verstappen’s undisputed status as Red Bull’s clear number one driver.

The internal competition at McLaren reached a critical juncture in recent races, prompting the team’s re-evaluation of its approach. During the Singapore Grand Prix, a pivotal moment saw Lando Norris successfully overtake Oscar Piastri, but the manoeuvre resulted in a collision between the two McLaren cars. Following a thorough review, the team determined that Norris could have avoided contact, leading to the implementation of "minor consequences" for him at the subsequent round in Austin. While the specifics of these consequences were not publicly detailed, it was widely understood that Piastri was granted priority order in qualifying sessions at the Circuit of the Americas.

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However, the Austin sprint race presented another flashpoint for the McLaren pair. Piastri’s ambitious attempted cutback on Norris ultimately led to another collision between the two orange machines, forcing both drivers into an early retirement from the sprint event. Piastri subsequently took a degree of responsibility for the incident, acknowledging his role in the contact that sidelined both cars. This sequence of events underscored the delicate balance McLaren was attempting to strike between allowing competitive racing and maintaining overall team objectives, especially with Verstappen rapidly closing the gap.

Ahead of this weekend’s Mexico Grand Prix, Piastri confirmed that the "repercussions" previously imposed on Norris had been lifted, a decision Stella elaborated upon as a necessary step to re-focus the team’s collective energy. "As usual, we review things, team, drivers, in a very open way, in a very constructive way," Stella stated, reflecting on the candid discussions that took place within the team. "We thought that the best approach moving forward was to start with a clean slate and focus in the only direction on which we want to focus – to make sure that the drivers’ championship is papaya."

Stella’s comments underline the singular objective now firmly entrenched within McLaren: to secure the drivers’ title for one of their own. The team, having already sealed the Constructors’ Championship in Singapore – a testament to their overall performance and development throughout the 2025 season – is now fully committed to achieving the coveted "double championship." This pursuit has been intensified by Verstappen’s recent run of form, which has injected a renewed sense of urgency into the McLaren camp.

"All the rest is less important and there’s somebody that is coming with great momentum," Stella added, referring to Verstappen’s relentless charge. "Our mission is to stop this momentum and bring back the momentum to the papaya side." This directive clearly indicates that any internal rivalries or disciplinary measures are now secondary to the overarching goal of preventing Verstappen from claiming his next world title.

The 2025 season has been a landmark year for McLaren, marking a dramatic return to the pinnacle of Formula 1. Their early dominance saw Piastri and Norris consistently challenging for victories, establishing a significant points cushion. Piastri, in his second season, has demonstrated remarkable maturity and pace, consistently delivering strong performances that have propelled him to the championship lead. Norris, a seasoned competitor, has also showcased his blistering speed and racecraft, keeping him firmly in contention. Their combined efforts have been instrumental in McLaren’s Constructors’ Championship success, showcasing the strength of their car, the RB21, and the operational excellence of the team.

However, the nature of their internal rivalry, while often pushing both drivers to higher performance levels, has also presented challenges. The incidents in Singapore and Austin serve as stark reminders of the fine line between healthy competition and detrimental contact. Verstappen, by contrast, operates within a clear team structure at Red Bull, where his role as the lead driver is undisputed, allowing the team to dedicate all resources and strategic flexibility to his championship bid. This singular focus has undoubtedly contributed to his recent success and the rapid reduction of the points gap.

As the F1 circus heads to Mexico, the pressure on McLaren will be immense. The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, with its high altitude and unique circuit characteristics, presents a fresh challenge where car performance and driver precision will be paramount. With five rounds remaining, each race carries significant weight, and the team’s ability to execute a flawless strategy, free from internal friction, will be critical. The unified approach, as articulated by Stella, represents McLaren’s most potent weapon against the relentless pursuit of Max Verstappen. The coming races will determine whether the "papaya" momentum can be restored, or if Verstappen’s charge will prove unstoppable.

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Jonas Leo

Jonas Leo is a passionate motorsport journalist and lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast. With a sharp eye for race strategy and driver performance, he brings readers closer to the world of Grand Prix racing through in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive paddock insights. Jonas has covered everything from preseason testing to dramatic title deciders, capturing the emotion and precision that define modern F1. When he’s not tracking lap times or pit stop tactics, he enjoys exploring classic racing archives and writing about the evolution of F1 technology.

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