McLaren team principal Andrea Stella discussed the ongoing pressure on Lando Norris’s driving style as he competes alongside teammate and Drivers’ Championship leader Oscar Piastri during the 2025 Formula 1 season. The rivalry between the two teammates has become a defining feature of McLaren’s title campaign, highlighting Norris’s experience and Piastri’s rapid development within the team.
Experience versus Rapid Learning in McLaren’s Driver Duel
The 2025 Drivers’ Championship race has narrowed to a close contest between McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. While Piastri started the season as the stronger contender, building a lead over Norris, the Briton has responded with three wins in the past four races. With ten rounds remaining, Norris reduced Piastri’s lead to just nine points, intensifying their title fight.
Norris is a seasoned F1 driver in his seventh season with McLaren, whereas Piastri is still in his third year. Despite Norris’s experience advantage, Stella was asked whether this added more pressure on him to secure the championship.
As you say, Lando may have a bit more experience in terms of number of races,
Stella commented at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
He noted that Norris started strong in the opening race in Australia where Piastri was close behind. Piastri’s chances were partly affected by sudden rain late in the race there. Stella emphasized Piastri’s remarkable ability to learn quickly, highlighting how he has consistently succeeded in his first years at every level, including junior categories and now at McLaren.
Now we have Lando and Oscar driving and operating at very, very similar levels.
Impact of the MCL39 Modifications on Norris’s Driving Style
Before his recent winning streak, Norris had only two victories in ten races. Stella admitted that McLaren’s changes to the MCL39 car initially posed a challenge to Norris’s driving approach. The team introduced upgrades that altered some car settings, creating differences in how each driver adjusted their style.
They can express their talent, and we see that they are very, very close. This makes it a great spectacle for Formula 1, this is what we wanted to achieve as a team, and I think it’s going to be very interesting until the end of the season.
Stella explained that despite these adjustments, both drivers have now adapted enough to drive more naturally with their individual preferences. This parity in performance not only pushes the drivers but also enhances the excitement of the season’s competition.
McLaren’s Dominance in the Constructors’ Championship
Alongside the intense driver battle, McLaren holds a commanding position in the Constructors’ Championship. The team’s strong performances have built a massive points gap over rivals, with Ferrari trailing by 299 points in second place. This success underscores the effectiveness of McLaren’s car and strategy as the season advances.
High-Stakes Duel Poised to Shape Formula 1’s Future
The close competition between Norris and Piastri embodies both the experience and fresh talent at McLaren, creating a compelling narrative for the rest of the 2025 season. With both drivers performing at similar levels, the pressure on Norris’s driving style intensifies as he seeks to claim the title. Meanwhile, Piastri’s rapid adaptation keeps the challenge firmly alive, promising an exciting conclusion to the championship fight.
