IS PIASTRI V NORRIS the next SENNA VS PROST?!!

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MCLAREN'S PROBLEM IN 2025

McLaren have had almost a dream start to 2025. They’ve won three of the first four races (excluding sprints) and already have a significant lead in the Constructors’ Championship. But despite this incredible start, a problem is beginning to surface—and it could grow into something much bigger as the season progresses.

Lando vs Oscar
The first issue stems from their driver lineup. Right now, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have a great relationship, but the dynamic between them is starting to resemble some of F1's most infamous teammate rivalries—think Senna vs Prost or Hamilton vs Rosberg.

Both drivers are incredibly close on pace. In fact, you could argue that Oscar is extracting more from this year’s car than Lando. Since joining McLaren in 2019, Lando has consistently proven himself. He was evenly matched with Carlos Sainz, dominated Daniel Ricciardo to the point where the team paid him to leave, and last year, he was the one who ended Verstappen’s stranglehold on F1 dominance.

But now, Oscar has shaken off the rookie teething problems and looks every bit the equal—if not slightly stronger—especially when you consider his race pace in Bahrain and China.

There were questions in Japan about whether Oscar should’ve been let past Lando to go after Verstappen for the win. That scenario highlighted the potential for internal conflict. Realistically, if McLaren had asked Lando to move aside, it’s hard to see him agreeing—and Oscar likely wouldn’t either. When two drivers are both genuine title contenders, asking one to yield is like telling Arsenal to let Liverpool score in a title-deciding match. It’s just not going to happen.

As we move into more races, it's likely we’ll see this tension build, especially if McLaren’s dominance continues. Both drivers want the title—and neither will want to play second fiddle.

Mentality and Max’s Mind Games
Another issue McLaren could face—particularly with Lando—is the mental side of the championship battle.

Lando has always been very self-critical. After qualifying in Bahrain, he was visibly frustrated, saying he had “no idea” why he wasn’t quick enough and just wanted to “try again tomorrow.” Meanwhile, Oscar looked calm and composed, unfazed by the pressure.

Then came the comments from Max Verstappen. Max suggested that if he were in the McLaren, he’d have dominated the Japanese Grand Prix. Classic psychological warfare from Verstappen. Oscar didn’t respond—he just kept his head down. Lando, on the other hand, took the bait and bit back publicly, saying he’d enjoy seeing the disappointment on Max’s face when he gets out of the car.

It shows a clear contrast in mentality. Oscar's cool, Raikkonen-like approach could be a major strength in a title fight. Max, as we’ve seen, thrives in psychological battles—and by reacting, Lando may have given Max a small mental edge.

Flexi Wing Controversy
Then there’s the technical side. There are growing rumors about McLaren’s rear wing flexing beyond what’s allowed. Now, F1 wings are supposed to flex to a degree—just like airplane wings. But if they flex too much, it becomes a form of active aero, which is illegal.

According to Red Bull, McLaren may be pushing those limits. By the time we get to the Spanish Grand Prix, the FIA is expected to scrutinize McLaren’s wing more closely. If changes are forced, it could slow them down—how much, no one knows yet. But it could open the door for Red Bull, Mercedes, and Ferrari to catch up.

Chasing Pack Closing In
Speaking of which, Red Bull and Mercedes are far from out of the title picture. Max Verstappen is just 8 points off Lando in the standings, with George Russell only 14 points behind.

Mercedes appear to have resolved some of their temperature-related issues, while Red Bull—despite struggling in Bahrain—have looked stronger at other circuits. If they bring significant upgrades before Spain, we could be looking at a four-way championship fight: Lando, Oscar, George, and Max.

And if McLaren’s performance does take a hit from the flexi wing situation, that fight becomes even tighter.

McLaren’s start to the season has been brilliant, but pressure is building. Internal driver rivalry, psychological games from Verstappen, looming technical scrutiny, and hungry rivals could all threaten their current advantage.

Will they stay on top? Or will the cracks start to show?