Boring F1 Title Race? McLaren’s Friendly Rivalry.

The upcoming 2025 season of Formula 1 appears poised for a gripping contest for the world drivers’ crown. However, the dynamic between Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris seems to lack the intense rivalry typically associated with such high-stakes battles.

McLaren has strived to cultivate a sense of impartiality between its two drivers, and both Piastri and Norris have embraced and mirrored this approach, even when opportunities arise to gain an advantage.

Could this collaborative spirit render the pursuit of the F1 world drivers’ championship somewhat unexciting? Our team of writers presents their perspectives.

On the surface it isn’t interesting but the rarity of the situation makes it fascinating – Filip Cleeren

Initially, the answer might seem to be affirmative. The emphasis on teamwork displayed by Norris and Piastri has, to some extent, tempered the intensity of what would otherwise be a compelling title contention, reminiscent of the 2021 season. McLaren’s commitment to fairness has left certain fans dissatisfied, particularly those yearning for an unrestrained showdown or those who crave dramatic twists to inject vibrancy into a season dominated by a single team. The overwhelmingly unfavorable response to the team’s highly scrutinized position exchange in Monza exemplifies this sentiment. While advocating for caution against reckless maneuvers that could jeopardize both drivers, I acknowledge a certain intrigue with the evolving narrative and the potential disruption of the prevailing harmony.

Yet, the uniqueness of this situation holds a peculiar fascination. Title chases are not typically characterized by such collaboration. We are accustomed to rivalries such as Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost, Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber, Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg. The manner in which Norris and Piastri are approaching what could be an unparalleled opportunity to secure a world title, coupled with the leadership of Zak Brown and Andrea Stella, represents an almost unprecedented scenario in the modern era. Piastri’s remarks following Monza were particularly telling, emphasizing the shared ambition of both drivers to contend for titles with McLaren for years to come, thereby reinforcing a sense of moral obligation to safeguard the team that has afforded them this chance.

“Yielding position in such instances comes naturally,” the Australian driver commented. I suspect many of his contemporaries and predecessors might disagree. But as a driver you can’t win in this situation; either you’re being accused of being too nice by some or being too selfish by others. McLaren is banking on its approach fostering long-term commitment from both drivers. While this may not appeal to everyone, it certainly provides fertile ground for intriguing character analysis.

Oscar Piastri, McLaren

Photo by: Mark Thompson – Getty Images

McLaren drivers are playing nice until it’s time not to be nice (like now) – Stuart Codling

Film enthusiasts rightly celebrate Alex Baldwin’s celebrated “always be closing” speech in Glengarry Glen Ross. Still, I believe that “second prize is a set of steak knives… third prize is you’re fired” isn’t quite the message that would come from a behind-the-scenes talk from McLaren team principal Stella.

No, I see Stella more as a Patrick Swayze in the cult classic Road House, quietly but firmly telling his diverse collection of drinking-den bouncers, “Be nice – until it’s time to not be nice.”

There is undeniable authority in the way this message is communicated.

“Well, uh,” replies one of the hapless employees, “how will we know when that is?”

“You won’t,” comes the firm response. “I’ll let you know.”

I would suggest that moment is drawing near, irrespective of Max Verstappen’s victory in the Italian Grand Prix. McLaren has essentially secured the constructors’ title. Surely, one of its drivers will claim the drivers’ title – unless they eliminate each other from every race between now and Abu Dhabi.

More improbable events have transpired, but the restrictive emphasis on amicability has diminished the tension in this so-called title fight. It is not really a contest – more of a carefully managed progression.

So, the time has arrived to abandon niceties. It is time to get down to business…

Lando Norris, McLaren, Oscar Piastri, McLaren, Zak Brown, McLaren

Photo by: Mark Sutton / Formula 1 via Getty Images

It is barely simmering, but McLaren is always one flashpoint away from boiling point – Haydn Cobb

Recognition is due to McLaren for its attempts, occasionally convoluted, to maintain parity between Piastri and Norris as the pressure intensifies. The drivers also deserve acknowledgment for embracing this philosophy and avoiding direct conflicts, even when contentious situations arise.

While it is admittedly refreshing to observe a major sporting competition unfold without resorting to underhanded tactics, veiled maneuvers, or harsh words, it also feels somewhat unusual. Perhaps an overexposure to outright animosity and rivalries has shaped expectations for F1 title races – those are the encounters that become legendary for the right and wrong reasons. Verstappen vs Hamilton, Prost vs Senna – these are the rivalries that spring to mind.

This season’s title fight has not been a highlight and has managed to avoid escalating into conflict despite opportunities – Norris’s collision with Piastri while attempting a risky pass in Canada, strategic complications in Hungary, and team orders in Italy.

However, the feeling persists that the situation is constantly on the verge of ignition.

McLaren is making every effort to appease and satisfy both its drivers, aware that their partnership represents their best long-term driver lineup, and consequently, they cannot simply allow open warfare to erupt once the world constructors’ title is secured. The central question is, how sustainable is this equilibrium? And should this harmony collapse, will it signal a return to the turbulent past?

Title battle lacks edge like the classics – Ed Hardy

What defines a captivating F1 championship battle? For me, it encompasses intense wheel-to-wheel racing, heart-stopping moments, evident passion, and even some off-track intrigue.

This has happened numerous times: 1987 is a relevant example, perhaps most relevant to 2025 given it was between team-mates, or recently 2021. I recall watching that year’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in a pub and was taken aback by F1 overshadowing the Premier League.

Nelson Piquet, Williams FW11B Honda, leads Nigel Mansell, Williams FW11B

Photo by: Motorsport Images

It was the first time I’d seen that happen, as the fight between Hamilton and Verstappen just grabbed everybody’s attention. People love drama, people love passion, it is why live sport can be so great, yet 2025 is just devoid of that. F1 certainly isn’t rivalling football for the main screen down my local any time soon.

Consider Monza: Piastri provided Norris with a tow in qualifying, before yielding to team orders once more during the race. Would Nelson Piquet or Nigel Mansell have entertained either scenario in 1987 had Williams instructed them to do so? Certainly not, and this is not a criticism of Piastri, as Norris would likely have acted similarly. In Monza, Piastri was asked to yield to Norris, but did he put up a sufficient fight?

Therefore, I challenge Haydn’s perspective that it is somewhat refreshing to witness the absence of underhanded tactics. To me, pushing the boundaries of what is acceptable, while remaining within them, should be expected, as it showcases an athlete’s unwavering commitment to securing the ultimate prize. Winning the mental battle is equally crucial to success on the track. I also do not see either McLaren driver displaying a willingness to engage in more contentious tactics, though these might be famous last words.