McLaren ‘Decide’ No.1 Driver for F1 Title Push Amid...read more

McLaren ‘Decide’ No.1 Driver for F1 Title Push Amid Internal Shift

McLaren have reportedly made a pivotal internal decision to prioritise Oscar Piastri in their pursuit of the 2025 Formula 1 world championship, according to former F1 driver and pundit Ralf Schumacher.

The Australian currently leads team-mate Lando Norris by 22 points in the drivers’ standings, with tensions rising after their controversial clash at the Canadian Grand Prix — an incident that forced Norris to retire and sparked renewed scrutiny over McLaren’s decision to allow their drivers to race freely.

Speaking on Sky Germany’s Backstage Pit Lane podcast, Schumacher claimed McLaren’s hierarchy has now shifted their focus firmly toward Piastri, who has emerged as the more consistent performer throughout the season.

“I believe that it has now been decided internally that Piastri is the man on whom the team will focus in terms of the World Championship,” Schumacher said. “Lando shows too many weaknesses and makes too many mistakes, including his senseless driving into the back of Oscar in Canada.”

While Norris took full responsibility for the incident and offered a heartfelt apology to Piastri, Schumacher questioned the Briton’s ability to lead a championship-calibre campaign.

“He has apologised and that shows what a great person he is,” Schumacher added. “But it’s no use, because great people rarely win titles.”

Shift in Dynamics

The timing of the alleged internal decision comes as McLaren continue to gain ground on Red Bull and Ferrari in the constructors’ standings. Piastri, in just his second full season in Formula 1, has shown remarkable maturity under pressure — stringing together a series of strong finishes and capitalising on rivals’ missteps.

Norris, meanwhile, has endured a turbulent campaign. Despite two victories this season, he’s also suffered from tactical missteps, driver errors, and growing psychological pressure amid his hunt for a maiden championship. His high-profile collision with Piastri in Montreal may have been the final straw in the eyes of senior management.

Zak Brown Under the Spotlight

Team principal Andrea Stella and CEO Zak Brown are now in the spotlight, with many in the paddock calling for clarity on McLaren’s title strategy. Brown has historically been reluctant to impose team orders — a decision praised for its fairness, but increasingly questioned as the title race intensifies.

This isn’t the first time McLaren’s internal dynamics have caused concern. Last season, Brown came under fire for not supporting Norris more aggressively in his fight against Max Verstappen, a factor some believe cost the team a realistic shot at the 2024 title.

Now, with McLaren in the rare position of having two title contenders, the need for a clear hierarchy has never been greater.

Austria Could Prove Defining

The upcoming Austrian Grand Prix could be a defining moment in McLaren’s season. All eyes will be on whether team strategy leans in favour of Piastri — particularly in scenarios where split tactics or on-track battles unfold.

If Piastri is formally backed as the lead driver, it could mark a major shift in the team’s philosophy, with long-term implications for both drivers’ futures.

For Norris, it’s now about proving he can regain control of the narrative. A strong bounce-back in Spielberg may not only reignite his title hopes but force McLaren to revisit what still might be a fluid internal debate.

But as it stands, the momentum and perhaps now, the team’s full backing appears to be swinging in Oscar Piastri’s favour.