Sports | Opinion | Formula One
F1 is not supposed to be a political sport – but when it comes to the McLaren team, there’s more bickering than at a child daycare centre. ‘He hit me’ this or ‘He should’ve given my place back’ that.
The Cracks in Canada
From the moment the McLarens were spotted side on at the home stretch of the Canadian Grand Prix, it was always certain that the pair would fight each other until the end. But when teammates Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri collided, forcing Norris to retire from the race – the risk was beginning to ripple from within.
Despite all the controversy between both drivers they still appear statistically superior to anyone else. They’re at the head of Both Driver’s and Constructors’ Championship tables, but water is clearly flooding the team’s pit.
Two serial winners, who can’t stand losing any position on the track – no matter which car they drive. For a competitive setting, that’s a good thing to have – sports are built on friendly competition.
Two Toxic Teammates
But when that competition begins to grow toxic – with fiery interviews and snarky comments – then the rivalry has gone sour. Cracks have begun to show show across the whole season so far. It’s a rivalry that cracked in Canada, split in Singapore, and could cave in Qatar.
Lando has been subject to a selection of poor tire changes in the pits that have constantly set him back. Whilst every issue Oscar Piastri has been involved in seems to have Norris’s name stamped beside it. The tension isn’t just visable on the screen, but every fraction of a second, they spend fighting each other.
Fight for Top Spot
Both Drivers want to be on top, and neither feels they’re being given the priority to do so. They aren’t working as the successful team that the scoreboards suggest, and despite their ability to temporarily plug the gap, if this toxic cloud remains then those results are bound to slip away.
So, Will McLaren tame their two beasts? Or continue to drag the extra weight of intense rivalry – one that could cost them valuable seconds on the track.
There’s only so much that mechanics can do to provide an advantage. The car is simply the tool and it’s the drivers’ job to tighten the clutch and unleash the explosive machine.
Together 🧡#McLaren | #MexicoGP 🇲🇽 pic.twitter.com/XRb1WKgkzO
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) October 24, 2025
