Jonas Leo
Woking, UK β McLaren driver Oscar Piastri has asserted that his working relationship with teammate Lando Norris has reached an unprecedented level of strength, describing it as "probably better than it has been" even amidst a fiercely contested Drivers’ Championship fight. The comments come as both drivers pursue their maiden Formula 1 world title, navigating the high-stakes environment of a championship decider with only three rounds remaining in the 2025 season.
The current standings see Lando Norris leading the charge, holding a 24-point advantage over Piastri. Red Bull’s four-time world champion Max Verstappen remains a significant threat, positioned just one point behind Piastri, making it a tense three-way battle for the ultimate prize in motorsport. With three Grand Prix events and one Sprint Race still to be contested, a total of 86 points are available across the remaining calendar (25 points for a Grand Prix win, 18 for second, 15 for third; 8 points for a Sprint win, 7 for second, 6 for third, down to 1 point for eighth place). This distribution ensures that the margins are tight, and any misstep could prove costly.
McLaren has maintained a steadfast ‘may the best man win’ philosophy throughout the season, a policy that allows both drivers to compete freely without the imposition of team orders. This approach, while fostering intense internal competition and potentially extracting maximum performance from both drivers, also carries inherent risks, particularly when two teammates are directly vying for the championship. Historically, such policies have led to both spectacular successes and notable controversies in Formula 1, with teams like Williams in the 1980s and Mercedes more recently allowing their drivers to race each other for the title, sometimes resulting in on-track incidents. McLaren’s management has publicly reiterated its commitment to this fair-play stance, prioritizing sporting integrity and internal motivation, even if it means foregoing strategic advantages that could solidify a championship bid for one driver over another.
The only explicit directive given to Piastri and Norris by the Woking-based outfit is to ensure clean racing on track, avoiding any contact that could jeopardize the team’s standing or damage their machinery. Piastri acknowledged that this provision has largely been adhered to, though he cited a "handful of instances" where the line was tested. The Canadian Grand Prix and the Singapore Grand Prix were specifically mentioned as races where on-track interactions between the two drivers drew scrutiny, though these instances did not result in major collisions or retirements. In Canada, a tight battle in the early stages saw both cars running in close proximity, while in Singapore, strategic calls and track position became a point of subtle contention, highlighting the pressure cooker environment of a championship fight. Despite these moments, Piastri emphasized that the underlying respect and professionalism have remained intact.
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Speaking on the popular Beyond The Grid podcast, Piastri elaborated on the state of their partnership. "It’s exactly the same, or honestly, probably better than it has been," Piastri stated, reflecting on their dynamic. He attributed this improvement to the natural progression of their working relationship. "It’s better because we just know each other more now. We’ve been together for our third year as team-mates, and we slowly get to know each other more and more."
Piastri, who joined McLaren as a rookie in the 2023 season, quickly established himself as a formidable talent, often matching or exceeding the pace of his more experienced teammate. Their initial year saw a steep learning curve for the Australian, but his rapid adaptation and impressive performances, including a Sprint Race victory, laid the groundwork for his strong 2025 campaign. Norris, a long-standing McLaren driver, has consistently been lauded for his talent and speed, but his 2025 season has seen a significant step up in consistency and race management, propelling him to the top of the drivers’ standings.
The Australian driver further elaborated on the resilience of their bond, particularly in the face of competitive pressures. "It’s probably in a better place than it ever has been, and we’re both the kind of people who believe that what happens on track stays on track," Piastri explained. This philosophy is crucial for maintaining team cohesion in a sport where internal rivalries can often become detrimental. He added, "Maybe there are short-lived emotions off the track, but we’re both quite good at letting things die down and, again, leaving things on the track." This maturity from both drivers, despite their relative youth, underscores a professional approach that McLaren will be keen to preserve as the championship reaches its climax.
"From that side of things, it’s really not changed. The way we’re still trying to get the most out of the team is exactly the same," Piastri concluded, emphasizing that their individual championship aspirations have not overshadowed their collective goal of maximizing McLaren’s performance. This synergy is vital for the team’s overall success, especially in the Constructors’ Championship, where strong performances from both drivers contribute significantly.
The narrative of their championship battle has seen a notable shift in recent weeks. A string of exceptionally strong performances from Lando Norris, characterized by consistent podium finishes and a crucial Grand Prix victory, allowed the Briton to overtake Piastri in the standings. Norris’s momentum has been undeniable, showcasing a refined ability to extract maximum performance from the McLaren MCL39 and execute flawless race strategies. In contrast, Piastri’s recent form has seen a slight dip in podium finishes, with his last top-three result dating back to the Italian Grand Prix. While his performances have remained robust, the lack of recent podiums has allowed Norris to build a crucial points buffer.
Looking ahead, the remaining three rounds of the 2025 season will test the mettle of both drivers and the integrity of McLaren’s ‘may the best man win’ policy. The pressure will intensify with each passing session, and the dynamic between Piastri and Norris will undoubtedly be a central theme. The championship could swing dramatically with a single incident or a particularly dominant performance. For McLaren, a team with a rich history but a recent drought in drivers’ championships, the prospect of either Piastri or Norris clinching the title would mark a triumphant return to the pinnacle of Formula 1. The challenge, however, will be to manage this internal rivalry without compromising the ultimate goal or the harmony that Piastri insists is "better than ever."
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Author Profile
- 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 heβs 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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