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McLaren Confident “Two Lions in a Cage” Won’t Clash as Tensions Loom

Publisher by Publisher
January 6, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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McLaren Confident “Two Lions in a Cage” Won’t Clash as Tensions Loom

Formula One F1 - Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - December 8, 2024 McLaren's Lando Norris during a pit stop REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed/Pool

McLaren enters the 2025 Formula 1 season brimming with confidence, not just in its cars but in its ability to manage what CEO Zak Brown describes as “two lions in a cage.” With Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri forming one of the most formidable and competitive driver pairings on the grid, the team is optimistic it can keep their rivalry from spilling over into conflict.


Lessons From the Past

McLaren is no stranger to handling fierce intra-team rivalries. Historic clashes like Alain Prost vs. Ayrton Senna and Fernando Alonso vs. Lewis Hamilton serve as stark reminders of how quickly partnerships can unravel when egos collide. However, Zak Brown insists the current pairing, while fierce competitors, operates in an environment of trust and transparency.

“I’m not worried, but I’m aware,” Brown said. “History shows how easily things can escalate—Hamilton against Rosberg, Piquet against Mansell. But much depends on the drivers’ personalities. We’re fortunate that Lando and Oscar, while both lions, get along well.”


Managing the Lions

McLaren faced criticism last year for its handling of team orders, especially during pivotal moments like the Italian Grand Prix, where Oscar Piastri overtook Norris on the opening lap. While the team eventually prioritized Norris in his title fight against Max Verstappen, the decision came too late to impact the championship outcome.

To avoid similar issues, Brown emphasized the importance of team harmony.

  • Building Trust: “The transparency we maintain builds trust,” Brown explained.
  • Team Bonding: The drivers regularly participate in joint marketing activities, social outings, and even rounds of golf to strengthen their relationship.
  • Preemptive Measures: “When a storm threatens, we try to contain it before it gains momentum,” Brown added.

Oscar Piastri: Unfazed by Team Orders

Piastri, who showcased his maturity by adhering to team instructions in Brazil’s Sprint race, believes the focus on McLaren’s team orders has been overblown.

“It’s been made a much bigger deal than it really is,” Piastri said. “There hasn’t been a situation where we truly needed team orders. It’s more about doing the right thing when necessary.”

The Australian also looks forward to a season where both he and Norris are in contention for the title. “Our ideal scenario is me and Lando fighting for the championship,” he said. “We’ve always worked in terms of doing the right thing for each other, and I don’t think that will ever change.”


What’s at Stake in 2025

With McLaren winning the Constructors’ Championship last season, the stakes are even higher in 2025. As the team’s competitiveness grows, so does the potential for friction. McLaren’s ability to maintain harmony between its drivers will be tested, especially if Norris and Piastri find themselves battling each other for race wins—and potentially a world championship.

For now, McLaren is betting that its culture of collaboration and transparency will keep the lions roaring together, not at each other. Whether that holds true in the heat of a title fight remains to be seen.

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