The top of the Formula 1 drivers’ standings in 2025 is highly competitive, with the leading three drivers separated by only 22 points. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris currently hold the first and second positions, but there is a question of whether McLaren should manage them differently to increase their chances of winning both titles.
Despite McLaren’s refusal to favor one driver over the other, Piastri and Norris continue to compete on equal terms for their first world championship. Team orders have not been a significant part of McLaren’s strategy this season.
Last year, McLaren hesitated to implement team orders when Norris was challenging for the championship, emphasizing the importance of maintaining balance within the team. However, with a real opportunity to win both the drivers’ and constructors’ titles this year, the team’s indecisiveness on lead driver status may jeopardize their success.
The intense on-track battles between Norris and Piastri have not resulted in major incidents yet, but there are concerns that not allowing one driver to yield to the other could hinder McLaren’s overall performance. McLaren needs to carefully consider how to optimize their drivers’ positions to maximize their chances of success in the championship race.
