Lando Norris Faces Tough Challenge as McLaren’s No Team Orders Policy Stands

Lando Norris enters the 2025 Formula One season as a strong favourite for the driver’s championship. However, McLaren’s decision to allow both drivers to race freely could complicate his title bid, especially with teammate Oscar Piastri also eyeing the top spot.

Unlike Red Bull, where Max Verstappen is the undisputed number one driver, McLaren has opted to let Norris and Piastri compete without team orders. Piastri, who contributed to McLaren’s constructors’ championship win last season, insists he will race Norris hard but clean.

McLaren’s Approach to the 2025 Season

McLaren’s 2024 season showcased the benefits and challenges of having two competitive drivers. The team secured their first constructors’ championship since 1998, finishing 14 points ahead of Red Bull. Norris claimed his first four F1 wins but ended 63 points behind Verstappen in the driver standings. Piastri also played a crucial role, winning in Hungary and Azerbaijan, though he finished 82 points behind his teammate.

Heading into 2025, McLaren reaffirmed their commitment to a no team orders policy. The so-called ‘papaya rules’ allow both drivers to race each other as long as they avoid collisions. Piastri, speaking at the launch of McLaren’s MCL39 at Silverstone, was clear about his ambitions.

“We are going to be able to race each other,” he said. “We’ve shown time and time again that we can race hard but cleanly. As long as we’re not taking points off the team, then that’s how we’re going to go racing.”

The 23-year-old Australian also made his personal goals clear. “I want to win the world championship this year. I do think that I can become world champion.”

Norris vs Verstappen: The Rivalry Continues

Norris, meanwhile, remains focused on dethroning Verstappen. Their on-track battles intensified last season, with a series of incidents in Austria, the US, and Mexico. Now, the McLaren driver is determined to take the fight to his long-time friend.

“I need to get my elbows out,” Norris said. “I need to show that I’m not going to willingly give him any positions. You have to be a smart driver to go up against Max. He’s quick, he’s aggressive, he’s one of the best ever.”

The battle for the 2025 championship is shaping up to be one of the most intense in recent history. With McLaren giving both drivers equal opportunity, Norris will need to prove he can outperform both Piastri and Verstappen to claim his first F1 title.

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