Questions about McLaren’s approach during the 2025 F1 season surfaced following pit wall decisions that appeared to favour Lando Norris. Although nothing was ever proven, many people noticed.
This wasn’t just a theory that spread on the internet. F1 paddock insiders thought Norris was receiving preferential treatment, even if it wasn’t intentional.
McLaren ended the season with 14 race wins and a team-record 34 podiums, holding off Max Verstappen to retain the constructors’ championship. Despite their success, Zak Brown and Andrea Stella were often asked about their decision-making throughout the campaign.
Oscar Piastri says he had a ‘fair shot’ at winning the 2025 F1 title
Speaking ahead of the 2026 season from McLaren’s base in Woking, Piastri said there’s no favouritism inside the team. Looking back, he admits there may have been some errors in judgement last year, but remains confident that he was given a fair chance to compete for the championship.
While some might expect those words from any driver looking to keep things steady within their team, it’s worth noting that Piastri has stayed consistent with this view. And so far, there haven’t been any stories or leaks suggesting otherwise.
“I think I got a fair shot last year and I’m expecting that to stay exactly the same,” Piastri told ESPN. “That’s definitely not to say that certain things could have been done better last year.
“I think that was probably clear for everyone watching. But I think for me at no point were there any bad intentions or any times I questioned the intentions of things.”
Martin Brundle’s take on McLaren’s papaya rules appears to be spot on
Piastri had every reason to raise concerns, especially with how close the final points tally was. But he hasn’t pushed back because he seems genuinely content with his place in the team and trusts the leadership.
Speaking during the height of that debate, Brundle highlighted how McLaren’s success is built on unity and mutual understanding between drivers.
“The cohesion of this team is what’s making it so dominant this season and both drivers are smart enough to realise that for both now and into the future,” he said.
“Don’t judge either of them for playing the team game, all the other teams on the grid would kill to have two great drivers working in tandem for the good of the team like this, while also racing the wheels off the cars and doing their best to beat each other.”
Brundle wasn’t just offering an opinion – his comments have aged well. The drivers seem completely behind McLaren’s approach, even if it sometimes means putting individual ambitions aside for a broader goal.
The outside noise may continue, but Piastri himself has consistently given no reason to doubt where he stands. Maybe it’s time more people started taking him at his word.
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