McLaren has clawed its way back to the top—and now the real challenge begins. As Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri charge into the 2025 Formula 1 season as race winners and legitimate title contenders, the team faces an entirely new battle: managing two ultra-competitive drivers fighting for the same prize.
With McLaren emerging as a front-running force, team CEO Zak Brown has made it clear—team orders won’t rule the garage, but discipline will. As past flashpoints like Monza have shown, letting teammates race freely can be a double-edged sword. The stakes are higher than ever, and Brown knows keeping the peace between Norris and Piastri could be the difference between glory and self-destruction.
The McLaren Approach: Let Them Race, But Set the Rules
McLaren’s internal racing philosophy is clear: “We’re not a one-car team.” Brown and team principal Andrea Stella have adopted a transparent, structured approach to ensure the duo can push each other without chaos erupting inside the team.
“We like our guys to race. I think we showed that we’re racers,” Brown told James Allen On F1. “We have rules, and the drivers respect those rules.”
However, he admitted that mistakes in communication during last year’s Italian Grand Prix at Monza cost them dearly.
“We went into Turn 4, first and second, and came out first and third. Probably cost us the race. That was on us, not the drivers,” Brown confessed. “We weren’t explicit enough in our instructions. That’s something we need to fix.”
Norris & Piastri: Respect or Rivalry?
The dynamic between Norris and Piastri has remained cordial—so far. But with McLaren now capable of fighting for both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships, tensions will inevitably rise. Brown insists both drivers respect each other, citing Norris’ willingness to return a position to Piastri as proof of their strong working relationship.
“In Qatar, we told him not to give the place back because it was so close, and he did it anyway,” Brown said. “That shows the relationship they have.”
Yet, as every title battle in F1 history has proven, friendship only lasts as long as both drivers aren’t in direct contention for the title.
Keeping the Wolves at Bay: Managing External Pressures
Brown is also keenly aware that the media and F1’s global audience will be looking for cracks in McLaren’s driver lineup. He knows the first big on-track clash will ignite speculation of a Norris vs. Piastri war—something McLaren must avoid if they want to bring home the silverware.
“We won’t let the media flare up the intensity,” Brown stated. “If something does happen, leave the helmet on, don’t talk to anyone yet. Relax, talk about it, and then we’ll come out.”
His message is clear: McLaren won’t allow outside forces to destabilize its title challenge.
The Road to a Title: A Balancing Act for McLaren
With Mercedes struggling, Ferrari rebuilding, and Red Bull facing internal tension, McLaren’s resurgence could make it the team to beat in 2025. Brown is already laying the groundwork for a title run, and keeping Norris and Piastri in check will be critical to their success.
It’s been 26 years since McLaren last won an F1 Constructors’ title, and 17 years since a driver in Papaya lifted the World Championship trophy. Now, McLaren has the car, the drivers, and the leadership—but can it avoid the pitfalls of internal rivalry?
With both Norris and Piastri hungry for their first championship, the answer to that question could define the 2025 Formula 1 season.
