Lauda states that McLaren can allow drivers to compete for the time being.
"They have such a significant advantage with the car."
McLaren currently sees no need to intervene in the championship tussle between its drivers - at least for now. This perspective comes from Mathias Lauda, son of Formula 1 icon Niki Lauda. He spoke on Servus TV this week about the intriguing situation unfolding at McLaren, where Oscar Piastri’s victory in Bahrain from pole position has pushed Max Verstappen down to P2 in the standings. This places the young Australian just 3 points behind his teammate Lando Norris, who is not currently matching Piastri's form and confidence.
"La Gazzetta dello Sport" remarked on how the Australian, driving a McLaren that any competitor would envy this season, displays no signs of doubt or hesitation. Conversely, discussions are arising regarding what some perceive as Norris' mental fragility.
"Piastri exhibits a chilling composure, guiding the 24-year-old through the challenges of this season with a self-assurance that highlights his talent and starts to concern his teammate Lando Norris," Gazzetta continued.
At this moment, there is no visible tension between Norris and Piastri. However, former Red Bull driver Robert Doornbos speculated that Piastri's manager, Mark Webber—also a former Red Bull driver—was infuriated after the Suzuka race. There, Piastri, who was marginally faster, requested to overtake Norris to mount an attack on race leader and eventual winner Verstappen, but the team refused.
Doornbos immediately texted Webber, suspecting the Australian would be upset. "He replied right away," Doornbos shared with Ziggo Sport. "He said, 'You’re right, this isn't what I represent. There’s no number one driver, and this has been clearly communicated.'"
Lauda feels there's currently no need for team orders. "I believe they have such a significant advantage with the car that they can adopt this stance," the Austrian noted. "They have two evenly matched drivers. Piastri is a bit cooler - extremely composed. Nothing seems to rattle him.
"Norris is more emotional, particularly when things aren't going well. But their team principal is managing to keep both drivers in check effectively.
"I think the competition between them will be thrilling until the season's end," Lauda added. "They don’t require team orders right now because the car is so powerful. However, if Verstappen's Red Bull closes the gap again, then team orders may become necessary. For now? No."
Regarding McLaren leader Andrea Stella, he departed Bahrain acknowledging that his role may grow more challenging as the season progresses. "Internally, we’re discussing not if it will happen, but when it will happen," he stated, alluding to the anticipated conflict between the McLaren duo. "We are very conscious that this is a tough business."
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