Oscar Piastri already challenges Lando Norris: “We start from zero, and I want to win the championship”. The two McLaren drivers will be free to race from the start of the season.

No designated number one driver in McLaren

Much discussion last year revolved around McLaren’s team orders, particularly the preference for Lando Norris in his pursuit of Max Verstappen for the championship.
Although the Briton never managed to seriously challenge the Dutch champion, McLaren secured its first Constructors’ Championship title since 1998. Heading into the 2025 Formula 1 season, the team has no plans to predefine a first and second driver.

Oscar Piastri aims high

Having joined McLaren at 22, Oscar Piastri is now entering his third season and positioning himself as a key contender for the 2025 title. Last year, the Australian secured two wins and a pole position, but he has set even higher goals, as he revealed to the BBC after McLaren’s Silverstone shakedown.

“I want to win the championship this year, and hopefully, we’ll have a car capable of doing so from the start,” Oscar Piastri stated. The Melbourne driver made it clear that he won’t be giving any advantages to teammate Lando Norris: “We’ll race freely from the beginning of the season. We all start from zero. We’ve shown that we can fight each other hard but fairly. As long as we don’t cost the team points, everything will be fine.”

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella confirmed this approach: “We have two drivers capable of winning, so the pressure is on us to deliver a car that can fight for podiums.” – the Italian engineer pointed out.