Nigel Mansell explains “why it’s an advantage for McLaren to have two strong drivers like Norris and Piastri”. Nigel Mansell believes that at McLaren, there is no clear first or second driver .

Nigel Mansell believes that at McLaren, there is no clear first or second driver when the team has a strong lineup like Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

McLaren is currently leading the constructors’ championship, with Lando Norris benefiting from Oscar Piastri’s support in his attempt to secure his first title. In a dynamic Formula 1 season, Andrea Stella’s team has proven to be the most competitive, scoring five wins in 18 races.

Even though there have been tensions over team orders – like in Hungary and Monza – the “papaya boys” have managed to build a significant lead over their main rivals, Red Bull and Scuderia Ferrari.

Nigel Mansell believes McLaren’s strength lies in having a solid and strong lineup. The 1992 world champion says that Oscar Piastri does not pose a threat to Norris but rather plays a supporting role.

“I think the young [Piastri] has shown such maturity by handling the pressure from Ferrari for so many laps and winning the race in the way he did. All the credit goes to him,” he said in an interview with Top Offshore Sportsbook.

“I think it was wonderful. I also believe people need to understand that it’s an incredible achievement for McLaren to have given both drivers cars capable of winning,” he continued. Nigel Mansell stated that there is no longer a “number one or number two driver” status. Both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have competitive cars, which is a huge advantage. McLaren “has done an excellent job. And I think moving forward, it won’t be an issue for either of them because they will be clean with each other.”

Citing Red Bull, which relies solely on Max Verstappen, Andrea Stella’s team “has two fast drivers pushing the team forward. If you have a really dominant number one and a not-so-good number two, it doesn’t work.”