Sky F1 analyst Martin Brundle has forecast an exhilarating title battle between McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris as they lead the 2025 Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship. The pair currently top the standings, with only eight points separating them midway through the season, setting the stage for a fierce intra-team contest.
At the British Grand Prix, which marked the season’s halfway point, Norris claimed victory after Piastri received a 10-second penalty for what was deemed erratic driving behind the Safety Car, a decision that sparked controversy. This penalty cost Piastri the race win and narrowed his championship lead, intensifying the rivalry between the McLaren teammates.
Controversy at Silverstone adds drama to the title race
During the British Grand Prix, Piastri found himself penalised after applying his brakes to warm his tires just as the Safety Car lights went off, an action that Race Control judged unsafe. Serving this penalty during his final pit stop, Piastri was relegated behind Norris for the closing laps, allowing the Brit to secure a popular home victory.
Frustrated, the Australian driver cheekily requested on the radio for the team to reverse their finishing positions, citing the penalty as unfair. Despite his plea, McLaren stuck to their guns, and Piastri finished second, diminishing his championship lead to a slender eight points ahead of Norris.
Brundle reflected on these events in his Sky Sports column, highlighting the emerging tension between the teammates and the potential for even more excitement in the latter half of the season.
It seems the Drivers’ Championship showdown will indeed be between Piastri and Norris, and we can expect some fireworks there,
Martin Brundle wrote.
He continued, noting the unusual display of frustration from Piastri, whom he calls “the calm silent Aussie assassin.”
And frankly they may as well hand the constructors’ trophy over to McLaren and save time in what will be a very short winter in F1 land.
—Martin Brundle
Oscar Piastri reflects on penalty and championship mindset
Following the race, Piastri was initially hesitant to comment on the penalty but later addressed it openly. He expressed confusion over the sanction, stating that his actions were consistent with prior laps and past Safety Car periods. His radio message requesting a swap was a momentary and cheeky bid to regain lost ground, despite knowing it was unlikely to be accepted.
Yeah. I thought I would ask the question,
Piastri admitted.
I knew what the answer was going to be before I asked. But I just wanted a small glimmer of hope that maybe I could get it back. But no, I knew it wasn’t going to happen.
—Oscar Piastri
He clarified that he had no issue with the on-track outcome.
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it. Lando didn’t do anything wrong. I don’t think it would have been particularly fair to have swapped, but I thought I’d at least ask.
—Oscar Piastri
Despite the setback, Piastri remains confident in his championship prospects.
It doesn’t change much for the Championship. I feel like I did a good job today. I did what I needed to. That’s all I need, and I will use the frustration to make sure I win some more races later.
—Oscar Piastri
McLaren’s approach to team orders and internal communication
McLaren has maintained a policy of not enforcing team orders this season, giving both drivers an equal chance at the title while prioritising their collective success in the Constructors’ Championship. The team encourages open communication between drivers and management to foster trust and transparency.
Andrea Stella, McLaren’s Racing Director, emphasised the importance of open dialogue during media interactions at Silverstone.
As part of the way we go racing together as a team, with Lando and Oscar, we always tell our drivers: ‘Don’t keep things in the back of your mind when you drive’,
Stella explained.
If you have a point, if you have a suggestion, if you want let us know what you’re thinking, just say it, and then we will evaluate with our people, we will make a decision, we will come back to you.
—Andrea Stella
So, I think what Oscar did is exactly what we incentivise our drivers to do. He communicated, he expressed his opinion, which we evaluated.
—Andrea Stella
McLaren’s commanding position in the Constructors’ Championship
At Silverstone, McLaren secured their second consecutive one-two finish, collecting 43 points and extending their lead in the Constructors’ Championship to 460 points. This advantage is more than double that of Ferrari, who sit in second place, highlighting McLaren’s strong form and teamwork as both drivers vie for the world title.
As the season resumes, all eyes will be on Piastri and Norris as they continue their fierce but respectful rivalry, raising expectations for an electrifying conclusion to the championship fight.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Oscar Piastri’s family rich?
A. Oscar’s dad, Chris Piastri, helped start HP Tuners, a top car software company worth around $35 billion. This company provided financial support for Oscar’s racing journey, contributing about $6.5 million to get him to Formula 1.
