The Mental State of McLaren and the Toll of Running Two Champions
The title of Formula 1 Champion is the greatest goal for a racer, and with only nine points between McLaren’s drivers, the team is contemplating the best approach to the finish line. Fans of McLaren will recall a time when Lando Norris, currently in second place in the Driver’s Standings, had the nickname “No-wins” Norris, with a reputation for being unable to secure a win even when starting from pole position. That nickname has been dropped after he managed his first win in the 2024 Miami Grand Prix, and he’s been on a tear ever since. In 2025 alone, Norris has achieved five Grand Prix victories, but still faces steep competition from his teammate. Though “No-wins” Norris is a thing of the past, many still level criticism against Norris, especially when compared to Oscar Piastri.
Piastri came onto the scene in 2023 with a strong record from karting and F2, and has since made clear his capabilities in the highest division of racing. In 2025, the 24-year old Australian took six victories and 12 podium finishes, entering the August break with 275 points in the Driver’s Standings. Noted for his strategic mind and control over his racecraft, Piastri is the one to beat this season, but Norris isn’t discouraged. As it stands, Norris boasts a very similar and equally impressive record for the season, with five wins and 12 podiums in 2025 so far. Having come so far since the “No-wins” era, McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown believes Norris hasn’t been given the laurels he deserves. “I think Lando’s in a great place,” Brown told Racer, “So I think this kind of narrative around Lando is not accurate today.” In races where Norris has come out on top with Piastri in second, not uncommon in the current season, Norris has been lauded for his ability to defend against his seemingly unstoppable teammate, a testament to both of their skills on the track.
With the two powerhouse drivers so close in the standings, Zak Brown recognizes the need to address the obvious, only one driver can win. Both drivers have shown their drive for the championship title, and although they have pushed incredibly far ahead of the other teams, the McLaren duo is fighting a tight battle amongst themselves. With 10 Grand Prix remaining in the season and only nine points standing between them, the championship title could go either way. Brown has acknowledged that a McLaren victory isn’t guaranteed, but it is likely. As such, he intends to communicate with both drivers and give them the respect they deserve when one wins the title and the other loses it. It’s a careful subject to approach. No doubt McLaren will be celebrating whichever driver wins, but they must be careful so they do not offend one another, especially when both racers have performed exceptionally in the year so far.
