Power struggle at McLaren: Norris and Piastri could trigger team orders

Anderson discussed the duo Norris-Piastri in a column for The Race: ''As for its drivers, it has probably the most evenly matched pairing. Oscar Piastri has scored an average of 19.5 points from a potential 25 points per race, while Lando Norris is going at 18.8 points per race - so just a 0.7 point difference.''

In 2024, McLaren occasionally resorted to team orders — like when Norris was instructed to let Piastri through in Hungary, or when the Brit was reminded of the so-called 'papaya rules' later in the season. This year, however, such directives have largely been absent.

About this, Anderson commented: ''We have criticised the team, myself included, for not implementing team orders but when you look at the points situation it’s clear there’s no need to.''

In conclusion, the former car designer added: ''This also means that, in reality, the cleverer of the two drivers could instigate those team orders themselves by earning priority through performance.''

McLaren currently holds a commanding lead in the Constructors' Championship, sitting 238 points clear of second-placed Ferrari. In the Drivers' standings, the title battle appears to be an internal affair, with both McLaren drivers leading the charge. Lando Norris has won the last two races, increasing the pressure on teammate Oscar Piastri.