Günther Steiner analyzes the internal situation between Norris and Piastri after the disaster in Canada and gives valuable advice to McLaren
Günther Steiner, former Haas F1 team principal, sent a clear message to McLaren during the podcast The Red Flags, commenting on the incident between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri at the Canadian Grand Prix. According to the South Tyrolean engineer, the British team risks wasting its potential if it does not clearly define its internal priorities.
“In Montreal, in my opinion, Mercedes was clearly ahead. McLaren had no chance, it wasn’t a matter of strategy. It was pure performance,” explained Steiner, analyzing the technical context that preceded Norris’ mistake.
“In my view, they’ll have to make a choice. McLaren is no longer the dominant car. They need to watch out for the competition behind. They have a lead in the constructors’ championship, okay, but last year Red Bull was also ahead… and then McLaren came. I’m not saying they’ve collapsed, but they’re not as dominant as they seemed.”
“Piastri needs protection: he’s the driver to manage”
Günther Steiner then emphasized the role of the drivers at McLaren, suggesting the team should back Oscar Piastri: “I’d say this regardless, after what happened in Canada. The last thing you need is to lose both cars in a stupid incident. You’re teammates, not rivals on track.”
According to the former Haas boss, a clear strategy would also help relieve pressure on the young Australian: “Maybe telling him he doesn’t need to think about winning right now could actually help. Maybe it would ease the pressure.”
The Norris problem: speed without patience
The discussion then turned to Lando Norris, blamed for causing the collision with an overly optimistic overtaking attempt. “Lando had better pace, but you have to be able to overtake without making mistakes. Having more speed isn’t enough if you get it wrong. The pace doesn’t go away, but you need patience.”
According to Günther Steiner, the mistake reflects a mental weakness in crucial moments: “That’s when Lando’s small mistake always comes. And you know I have great respect for him, he’s quick. But in the key moments, he messes up.”
Asked what might push Lando Norris to make these errors, Günther Steiner answered bluntly: “In my opinion, it’s pressure. He found himself under pressure and tried a desperate overtake, when he just needed to wait one more lap.”
The incident occurred on the start-finish straight: “He just needed to regroup and try again. But he went for a gap where not even a motorcycle could have passed. Let alone an F1 car!”
Günther Steiner’s message is clear: McLaren needs order, leadership, and fewer risks on track. And if they truly want to fight for the title, they must start behaving like a title-contending team.
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