Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris are separated by just nine points in the drivers’ standings, with both McLaren drivers pushing for their first Formula 1 title in 2025.
This season’s championship has turned into a two-horse race between them, as four-time champion Max Verstappen now trails by 97 and 88 points respectively. Verstappen has even admitted he doesn’t expect to win another race this year.
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Since Imola, where Verstappen last took a Grand Prix victory, he’s been losing ground at an average rate of over ten points per round to Piastri. He did manage to win the F1 Sprint at Spa in July but hasn’t added any more Grand Prix wins since then.
Norris has also been pulling away from Verstappen, averaging an 11-point advantage per round since Imola. Over the last seven races, Norris has picked up four wins compared to two for Piastri and one for Mercedes driver George Russell.
David Coulthard notices early signs of tension between Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris
McLaren are edging closer to their first drivers’ title since 2008, but David Coulthard believes it’s only a matter of time before the pressure gets to Piastri and Norris. He’s already picked up on subtle hints of strain between the two teammates.
McLaren have left the title battle in their drivers’ hands, with Norris taking a one-stop win in Hungary after missing out on an alternate strategy that helped Piastri claim victory in Belgium. Coulthard thinks this could be their only real shot at a championship, adding extra fuel to the fire.
“One of those guys will be world champion this year, and it might be the only chance they get. Next year’s McLaren might not be any good. It’s a completely different sport next year. It’s still called Formula 1, but this could be their one chance.”
Why the 2026 F1 rule changes could make 2025 a one-off title shot for Norris and Piastri
Formula 1 is set for its biggest rule change yet in 2026, with new regulations covering everything from engines to aerodynamics, chassis, and tyres. Teams are already shifting focus to their future cars, and the changes could dramatically alter the competitive landscape.
Even if Mercedes delivers the top power unit as expected, there’s no guarantee McLaren will maintain its edge under the new rules. The team will need to adapt quickly to stay ahead of rivals.
Team principal Andrea Stella is optimistic that McLaren can carry over much of what’s working this year into next season. If Norris and Piastri buy into that belief, it might help keep things calm between them in what’s shaping up to be a tense title race.
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