If you have made it this far, you are clearly not one of those who read only the headline. Still, we want to clarify right away that this is intentionally provocative — a “meme title” inspired by the last weeks, actually months, of observing social media reactions, comments on our posts, and the many heated debates circulating among Italian Formula 1 fans.
One thing has become quite clear: McLaren’s two young drivers are far from universally loved. The main “accusation”? That they have been driving such a dominant car that they have never really had to show extraordinary talent. It is a simplistic narrative which, as we will see, does not hold up to scrutiny — after all, how many World Championships have ever been won by the driver with the slower car?
Lando Norris, in particular, has long been the target of harsh and often baseless criticism. Many of these claims are driven by a media-fueled narrative — never supported by actual facts — that paints him as mentally fragile, someone unable to handle the pressure of a title fight, to the point that he would supposedly need professional psychological support (and to be clear, there would be nothing wrong with that). Yet the British driver has recently demonstrated the exact opposite: strong weekend management, excellent race pace, and a consistent ability to bounce back after mistakes. But a large portion of the fanbase — especially the most devoted supporters of Charles Leclerc — still do not want to see him crowned World Champion. Perhaps they simply have not forgiven him for a few too aggressive clashes with the “predestined” Ferrari driver.
To this narrative, another even more surreal theory has been added: the idea that Mercedes is “helping” Lando Norris in the title battle, as if a secret British alliance were working behind the scenes to bring victory to an English driver in an English car. A theory with no technical or sporting foundation whatsoever, yet one that has surprisingly gained traction across social platforms, fueling mistrust and frustration. In an already emotionally charged environment, this too has contributed to the growing dislike toward the McLaren driver.
Online, at least, fan preference seems to lean overwhelmingly toward Max Verstappen. The four-time World Champion has unexpectedly become the outsider, a consequence of a Red Bull far from the dominant machine of previous seasons, especially in the mid-season phase. This has given rise to the unofficial motto we now see almost everywhere: “If it can’t be one of the drivers in red, then let it be Max.” A perfect summary of the current Italian social-media sentiment.
The Dutch champion has indeed shown immense talent, pushing a technically “complicated” Red Bull to its limits and turning difficult weekends into surprisingly strong results. But closing the gap to Lando Norris will be extremely tough. Because beyond personal biases and online narratives, Lando still looks like the most likely next World Champion.
In this landscape, the one who truly risks coming out defeated is Oscar Piastri. The Australian was initially hailed as the “cold one”, the driver with the winning mentality — the perfect piece for a team determined to grow without hesitation. But in recent months, something has shifted: costly mistakes, performances below those of his teammate and of Max Verstappen, and a confidence that seems to be slowly fading. It is a warning sign for the present, and perhaps for the future.
And so, we return to the simplest — yet most complicated — question of all: who do you genuinely want as the next World Champion? Do you prefer the confirmation of Verstappen’s unmatched talent, the long-awaited consecration of Lando Norris after years of criticism, or the early triumph of Oscar Piastri? As always, the answer reveals far more about the fans… than about the drivers themselves.
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