F1 is heating up: McLaren is considering an internal team change while Red Bull watches, searching for weaknesses to exploit.
The battle between McLaren and Red Bull for the F1 title is becoming increasingly tense, with Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen protagonizing a tactical scenario yet to be fully understood. After nine rounds, McLaren leads the drivers’ standings with Piastri, who holds about a ten-point lead over Lando Norris and a significant 49-point advantage over Verstappen.
But despite the victory in Barcelona and a seemingly struggling Red Bull, the Australian driver remains vigilant. The shadow of Max still looms menacingly over the Woking garage.
Drastic Changes on the Horizon?
Tension in the paddock is palpable in this title fight that leaves no room for mistakes. While the numbers speak clearly—seven wins for McLaren against two for Red Bull—it is not enough to rule Max Verstappen out of the fight.
Oscar Piastri is well aware of this and considers an internal team philosophy change likely. So far, McLaren has allowed its drivers to race freely without hierarchies, but external pressure could make team orders necessary.
“Both Lando and I want to become World Champions,” Oscar Piastri told Viaplay. “When you have two fast drivers who can fight for the title, then you should let it happen.”
“However, I think that if one of us finds themselves ahead of the other and, for example, Max—or someone else, but probably Max—is still in contention, then perhaps a conversation about team orders will be needed.”
On the other hand, Red Bull is not giving up. Helmut Marko acknowledges the difficulties but talks about the team’s constant effort to keep the door open for a big comeback:
“Even with Vettel, we recovered 44 points on Fernando Alonso,” Helmut Marko said to Servus TV. “Verstappen has already made up a 46-point deficit. This year, however, it’s very difficult because we don’t have a car at McLaren’s level.”
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