Kulthard: For an ideal scenario, Ferrari should be added.

      David Coulthard, a former driver who once raced for McLaren, is watching the Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris rivalry with interest, and he really likes how the season is shaping up.

      David Coulthard: "If you're a McLaren fan, you're pleased with the team's successes, but even if you're just a racing enthusiast without particular preferences, I think you also agree that the season is going well. Personally, I'm very impressed by the closeness of the results, especially in qualifying. Of course, the gaps are larger in the races, but I simply enjoy the fact that this season features fierce competition.

      However, for the season to follow an ideal Hollywood script, Ferrari needs to improve. As for everything else, I already predicted that McLaren drivers would start encountering each other on the track because I've been through that myself. I crashed into Mika Häkkinen; he crashed into me—and that will always happen when both team drivers are fighting for the title, as the intensity of the battles increases and the situation becomes more complex.

      If awards were given at the halfway mark of the championship, Oscar Piastri would likely be the recipient. Few could say that he is leading the standings unfairly. But if Lando can change this turn of events in the second half of the season, he might be able to beat a very talented driver who is in his third Formula 1 season.

      What’s happening now somewhat resembles what we saw in 2021, and only one driver can win the championship. That year, both Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton competed at champion level, but only one could take the title.

      I think McLaren has it a bit easier because their drivers aren’t known for difficult temperaments; both are more compliant, and the team handles the situation well and keeps it under control. But it’s quite possible that this is McLaren’s only shot at a championship, since we don’t know what will happen in 2026 or how things will develop further. Right now, it's essential to make the most of this fortunate moment.

      That’s why I’m so impressed with the progress Oscar has made this year. But Lando, in the past two races, has given his teammate a worthy response and shown his best qualities. Overall, it’s a situation where both deserve the title, but only one can win the championship.

      As for the second half of the season, I'm interested in which teams will continue to upgrade their cars and improve because 2026 is already on the horizon, and we know big changes are coming. At some point, teams will either run out of resources or ideas, but if we assume that Sauber/Audi are largely focused on preparing for 2026, they’re still managing to show impressive results.

      The debutants of the championship also impress—they entered Formula 1 deservedly and are handling their tasks well. Everyone is good in their own way, but Max remains an exceptional driver, and he’s the benchmark that others will aim for."