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McLaren Faces Crucial Dilemma: Should They Sacrifice Piastri to Secure Norris’ F1 Title?

Arthur Ling by Arthur Ling
November 24, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 4 mins read
0
McLaren Faces Crucial Dilemma: Should They Sacrifice Piastri to Secure Norris’ F1 Title?

Formula One F1 - Belgian Grand Prix - Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Stavelot, Belgium - July 27, 2025 McLaren's Oscar Piastri and McLaren's Lando Norris before the race REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq

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Title: McLaren’s Championship Dilemma: Should They Favor Lando Norris in the Title Chase?

In a stunning turn of events at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, McLaren found itself in hot water after a double disqualification left its drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, empty-handed. As Max Verstappen closes in, now just 24 points behind the championship leader, the pressure mounts on the Woking-based team as they head into the final two races of the season. The burning question on everyone’s lips: Should McLaren now prioritize Norris in the fight for the Formula 1 title?

Zak Brown, McLaren’s CEO, has made it abundantly clear that as long as both of his drivers remain within one race win of each other—a mere 25 points—the team will not favor one over the other. During a media lunch in Austin, he stated that it wouldn’t be “fair” to tell either driver to abandon their championship dreams while they’re still within reach. However, the echoes of 2007 remain fresh, as McLaren navigates these turbulent waters. At that time, the team faced a similar conundrum, and while the stakes are high, McLaren leadership is prepared to take risks, proclaiming, “That’s how we go racing.”

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As Norris grapples with the added pressure of leading, the question arises: can the team afford to give Piastri the nod, especially when he was once leading the championship himself? In a sport where loyalty is often fleeting, Piastri’s acceptance of a secondary role could be complicated, given the historical context. The stakes are higher than ever, and with Verstappen breathing down their necks, McLaren must tread carefully.

However, the reality is that Norris is still in control of his destiny. If he manages to outscore Verstappen and Piastri in Qatar—a circuit that favors McLaren—he’ll seize the world championship. The pit wall’s support may not even be necessary. The primary goal remains clear: a McLaren driver must win the title, but the team must balance this ambition without undermining either driver’s performance.

The complexities of Formula 1 mechanics mean that the team cannot simply transfer the best parts from one car to another. Even if McLaren decides to back Norris, it does not imply that Piastri will receive inferior equipment. If Piastri outshines his teammate in the remaining races, there’s little the team can do to alter the outcome.

Yet, it is time for McLaren to evaluate potential strategies that could give Norris the edge, especially as he is better positioned to deliver the franchise’s first drivers’ world title since 2008. Norris has faced his share of setbacks, including a mechanical failure in Zandvoort and the points loss from the Vegas disqualification, which could have altered the championship landscape significantly.

With Norris as the clear frontrunner, it’s imperative for McLaren to establish ground rules for the upcoming Qatar race. If an opportunity arises to secure a title for Norris, the team must seize it—potentially at the expense of Piastri. The unpredictable nature of F1 means that even a 24-point lead isn’t safe; anything from a poor start to a technical failure could derail their championship aspirations.

McLaren must clarify the situation to Piastri: his recent performance has contributed to the team’s precarious position, and if the moment arises for him to assist Norris, he must be ready to cooperate. Whether that means disrupting Verstappen’s race strategy or slowing him down during critical moments, every little bit can count.

This does not mean Piastri’s title hopes are extinguished. If he dominates in Qatar, he deserves the chance to claim the championship for himself. However, if he falters again, McLaren cannot afford to ignore the reality of the situation. The time for common sense is now; the team has already apologized to fans and sponsors for the Las Vegas debacle and must act decisively to avoid further disappointment.

F1 is rife with unspoken rules, and one of them states that a championship-contending team must avoid favoring one driver over another when both still have realistic title chances. Asking a driver to relinquish their ambitions can have detrimental effects on their morale and future with the team. Piastri, in particular, is a valuable asset whose potential may be squandered if he is not given a fair opportunity to compete.

While Norris shines as McLaren’s best hope for championship glory, the team must not alienate Piastri. The risk of losing a future star for short-term gain could prove catastrophic. McLaren’s path forward hinges on their ability to manage this delicate balance. With Qatar on the horizon, they must act with foresight and strategy to ensure that they do not repeat past mistakes.

In this electrifying championship race, McLaren has a golden opportunity to secure their legacy; the only question remains: will they take it?

Tags: 1958-formula-1-season2007-formula-1-world-championship2025-mclaren-f1-championshipLando Norrismax-verstappen-enOscar Piastri
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