In the upcoming events, the clashes between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen have become the defining story of the second quarter of the Formula 1 season. However, Norris now faces a tougher rivalry within his own team at McLaren, with Oscar Piastri. Piastri is not necessarily a stronger opponent than Verstappen, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest drivers in F1 history. Instead, Piastri poses a challenge to Norris as his teammate at McLaren. In order to consistently compete with Verstappen and the other top drivers, Norris must establish himself as the team’s leader. Both Norris and Piastri are well aware of the dynamics of teammate relationships in F1.
Piastri’s recent victory at the Hungaroring and stronger performance in the Belgian Grand Prix compared to Norris has sparked discussions about his potential superiority. However, it is premature to conclude that Piastri has definitively surpassed Norris. Rather, it highlights the ongoing battle between these two drivers to establish themselves as the focal point of the team.
When examining the statistics, Norris has been the stronger McLaren driver in 2024 by all meaningful measures. In dry qualifying sessions where a fair comparison can be made, Norris has a 9-3 advantage over Piastri, with an average lead of approximately 0.11 seconds. In races where both drivers have finished, Norris is ahead 9-5 and has been ahead of Piastri on 71.4% of completed laps. Norris also has more points, with 199 compared to Piastri’s 167.
However, there are two factors to consider. Firstly, Piastri is only in his second season in F1, which means he is still early in his development as a driver. Norris, on the other hand, has the advantage of six seasons of experience. Secondly, there is the question of whether there is a trend favoring Piastri. While there may be a slight trend, it is inconclusive. Piastri has outperformed Norris in Hungary and Spa, and has at times been the faster McLaren driver in damp conditions at Silverstone. However, Piastri’s stronger performances are not consistent, and there have been races where Norris has clearly been the stronger driver.
With the constructors’ championship within reach for McLaren, the battle for supremacy between Norris and Piastri will be an intriguing subplot. Norris’s actions in Hungary, where he grappled with team orders after an irregular pitstop sequence, suggest that he understands the importance of this battle. However, it is undeniable that Norris has been the stronger McLaren driver overall this season.
Piastri has shown impressive skills since his debut in F1. He excels in fast corners and often loses time in just one corner during qualifying laps. However, there is still room for improvement in his single-lap pace, as evidenced by his record against Norris. Piastri has made progress in his tire management skills this year, but there is still work to be done. Norris, on the other hand, is already accomplished in this area, which is a result of his experience in F1.
Improvements in both single-lap pace and tire management will be crucial for Piastri’s development. As his experience grows, he will become more adept at handling the unpredictable Pirelli tires. Piastri acknowledges that progress in tire management is not straightforward and requires a deep understanding of the specific conditions of each track. He is committed to working on this aspect of his driving.
Norris, on the other hand, is on the cusp of proving himself as a driver capable of winning world championships. However, he must show the ability to seize every opportunity given to him and make the necessary improvements. The second half of this season will be crucial for Norris to demonstrate his potential.
Currently, Norris is the stronger overall McLaren driver. However, Piastri is closing in, and there have been races where he has outperformed Norris. The question is whether Piastri can consistently perform at a high level in different conditions and on various tracks.
As the battle between Norris and Piastri continues, the question of team favoritism may arise. However, McLaren’s team principal, Andrea Stella, has made it clear that the team’s focus is on McLaren’s success as a whole. The driver who performs better will naturally receive more support.
The ongoing battle between Norris and Piastri will be a significant storyline in F1 over the next 18 months. Norris must win this battle if he wants to establish himself as McLaren’s long-term leader in the fight against Verstappen and the other top drivers.
Photo from Lando Norris Instagram
