BREAKING: Norris and Piastri facing ‘ugly’ McLaren relationship…read more
Norris and Piastri Headed for ‘Ugly’ Season at McLaren?
McLaren’s Formula 1 drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, could be in for a challenging season as the 2025 campaign approaches. With both drivers aiming for championship contention, tensions may rise between the two talented teammates. The papaya duo is set to line up again for McLaren when the season kicks off at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 16. However, their competitive nature may lead to complications.
Norris and Piastri are one of only two unchanged driver pairings on the 2025 grid, with Aston Martin also sticking with their lineup from the previous season. McLaren enters the new season on a high, having claimed the constructors’ title for the first time in 26 years, triumphing over Ferrari and Red Bull in a dominant campaign. Norris came tantalizingly close to winning his first world drivers’ championship but was ultimately beaten by Max Verstappen, who clinched his fourth consecutive title in the final stages of the season.
Potential Tensions at McLaren?
Despite the optimism surrounding McLaren’s success, former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has issued a cautionary note about the team’s two stars. While Norris and Piastri have maintained a positive working relationship since becoming teammates in 2023, tensions began to surface during the 2024 season. A controversial team order incident overshadowed Piastri’s first F1 win in Hungary, sparking speculation about how McLaren might handle the dynamic between its drivers going forward.
The incident raised questions about team strategy and driver prioritization, with McLaren bosses Zak Brown and Andrea Stella facing heavy criticism. While Montoya believes McLaren can manage the situation early in the season, he warned that things could become tricky if both drivers are battling for the championship later in the year.
Speaking in an interview with OnlineCassino.com.br, Montoya commented on the situation, suggesting that McLaren will be cautious at first but may face challenges as the season progresses. “Initially, they’re going to be pretty relaxed about it,” Montoya said. “I think McLaren are going to be very clear that whoever’s ahead will need to be a little more respectful.”
Montoya emphasized the need for balance within the team, acknowledging that McLaren will want both drivers to perform without compromising the team’s points tally. “They want to be fair to both drivers, but they know they can’t afford to lose points by letting them race each other,” he added.
Norris and Piastri’s Relationship
Despite the underlying tension, Montoya believes Norris and Piastri are currently on good terms. “Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris are in a good place with each other, and I think they’ve been fair so far,” Montoya said. He highlighted that McLaren has done a commendable job of keeping both drivers satisfied, ensuring they remain focused on team goals.
However, Montoya warned that the situation could escalate later in the season if both drivers find themselves in a strong position for the drivers’ championship. “I think it could get ugly at the end of the year if one of them has a big points advantage and they’re allowed to race for the championship,” he said. Nonetheless, Montoya believes that, unless that scenario unfolds, the pair will remain relatively even throughout the season.
McLaren’s ability to maintain harmony between Norris and Piastri could be a key factor in their success this year. As both drivers seek to assert themselves as title contenders, McLaren will need to carefully manage the situation to avoid internal conflict and maximize their chances of securing more silverware.
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