The McLaren Drivers Are in Control of a Championship Outcome
McLaren’s return to the front of Formula 1 has quickly become one of the season’s most compelling stories. After years spent chasing the leaders, the team now finds itself not just competing at the front of the grid, but shaping the outcome of both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships. With Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri consistently delivering strong performances, McLaren has moved beyond simply playing catch-up; they are setting the pace. For fans, this means that the stakes of the upcoming races could depend just as much on McLaren’s decisions in the garage as on what happens on the track.
Currently, McLaren has one hand fixed firmly on the Constructors’ Championship trophy. As the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku approaches, McLaren is far ahead of Ferrari, so an early win is possible. If they leave the weekend with at least a 346-point lead, the title would be secured with races to spare. The scenario becomes highly plausible if McLaren outscores Ferrari by just nine points, or even more decisively with a McLaren one-two finish. If they succeed, it would mark the earliest Constructors’ title win under the current era of Formula 1, a milestone that highlights just how dominant the papaya cars have been this season.
For McLaren, the challenge isn’t just about speed. It’s about creating a balance between trust and accountability within the team. Team principal Andrea Stella has made it clear that even after securing the Constructors’ Championship, the team will treat both drivers equally and focus solely on maximizing points. On paper, this approach should stop internal conflict. In practice, however, Formula 1 is rarely that simple. History tells us that keeping harmony under this kind of pressure is easier said than done.
It’s a familiar story in F1: when a team builds the fastest car, the greatest threat often comes from within. Bruno Senna vs. Nicolas Prost at McLaren, Lewis Hamilton vs. Nico Rosberg at Mercedes, two teammates, one championship. Norris and Piastri have shown respect so far, but the stakes continue to rise. If one driver feels limited by team orders or strategy, tension can start in the garage. Even small decisions, like qualifying order or pit strategy, can spark tension when championships are on the horizon. It’s not just about the points; it’s the trust, opportunity, and careers on the line. For Piastri, it’s a first title; for Norris, it’s the payoff for years of work.
No matter how it unfolds, McLaren has already made 2025 a season to remember. Every lap, every radio call, and every pit stop will shape the championship, with Norris and Piastri holding the reins. Will Piastri’s consistency carry him to his first title, or can Norris seize the lead? One thing is clear: this is McLaren’s year, and the drivers are completely in control of how the season will be decided.
