Rivalry ahead for McLaren? Piastri closes in on Norris and Martin Brundle warns: “Now it will get intense”. F1 commentator Martin Brundle on the rivalry between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

McLaren started the 2025 season dominating, with Norris winning the opening race in Australia from pole position. However, in Shanghai, it was Piastri who came out on top, securing his third career victory and closing the gap to his teammate to just 10 points.

An internal title battle?
With McLaren clearly superior to its rivals, the world championship seems destined to be fought out internally. For now, harmony reigns between the two drivers, but Martin Brundle believes the situation could soon change. “Norris leaves China with one more point than Max Verstappen in the championship compared to before the weekend, but the most worrying thing for him is that Piastri is now just 10 points behind. And the next race is Suzuka. It will get intense between the two McLaren drivers,” Martin Brundle wrote in his column for Sky F1.

Could Lando Norris have responded?
Another question concerns Norris’ real chances of fighting with Piastri in China. The Briton seemed to be able to attack his teammate, but a brake issue on the last lap put an end to any hopes, forcing him to defend from George Russell. “It was McLaren’s 50th double podium in history, and they’ve really been flying lately,” Martin Brundle added.

Is Oscar Piastri ready for the title?
After an up-and-down 2024 season, Oscar Piastri seems to have made a big step forward over the winter. Last year, he only managed to beat Norris in qualifying four times, but now he appears much more competitive.

Read also: F1 | Chinese GP – Scare for Lando Norris at the end, a problem puts McLaren’s double podium at risk: “Like a nightmare, we survived.”
In Australia, Oscar Piastri was forced to follow team orders, but in China, he proved he could fight on equal terms with Lando Norris. The McLaren MCL39 is a tricky car to drive, and while Norris complained of handling issues, the Australian seems to have found the right balance. With a fierce internal battle looming and McLaren dominant, the internal rivalry could heat up. Who will come out on top between the two young talents?