Guenther Steiner Urges McLaren to Support Oscar Piastri in Drivers’ Championship Against Lando Norris Amid Netflix’s “Drive to Survive” Controversy

McLaren Faces Internal Pressure to Solidify Championship Support

October 17, 2025

Melbourne, Australia – The McLaren Formula 1 team is currently grappling with a critical decision regarding driver support as the championship battle intensifies. Former F1 Team Principal Guenther Steiner recently voiced concerns that the team’s tendency to overanalyze situations could jeopardize their chances of securing a championship victory. Thes observations arose during a discussion at CyberCon 2025.

The Dilemma of Driver support

The core issue revolves around whether McLaren shoudl fully commit to supporting Oscar Piastri, who currently holds a lead in the championship standings, or continue to balance opportunities between him and Lando Norris. Steiner suggested that a definitive decision to back the leading driver is imminent, emphasizing the rarity of a team having a chance to win two championships in a single year.

Recent on-track interactions, such as contact during the Singapore Grand Prix, have fueled speculation about potential favoritism within the team. Norris’s move on Piastri at Turn Three resulted in a podium finish for Norris but raised questions from Piastri over team fairness, communicated via radio during the race. Piastri reportedly questioned whether Norris was permitted to aggressively displace him.

Dismissing Claims of Nationality Bias

Despite suggestions that McLaren might favor British driver Lando Norris, Steiner firmly dismissed any notion of nationality influencing team decisions. He asserted that McLaren’s primary challenge lies in its propensity for overthinking, a trait that he believes could be detrimental to their competitive edge.

“The team, McLaren, sometimes tries to overthink things and when you overthink things, it becomes dangerous,” Steiner stated, underscoring the importance of decisive action in a high-stakes racing environment. he added that, ultimately, one driver will inevitably be disappointed, and the team needs to ensure that both drivers don’t leave feeling unsupported.

The Role of Mentorship and Past Experiences

Piastri’s remarkable composure and performance this season have garnered praise, in part due to the guidance of experienced manager Mark webber, a former Australian F1 star. Webber, who previously faced internal team challenges during his time at Red Bull with Sebastian vettel, has provided invaluable support to Piastri. Steiner highlighted Webber’s influence, stating it was “one of the best decisions ever made by a driver” to seek mentorship from someone with extensive F1 experiance.

The situation also draws attention to the challenges faced by young drivers. Australian driver Jack Doohan recently experienced a setback when he was released by Alpine after just six races, prompting Steiner to express hope for another opportunity, arguing the initial assessment was premature.

Understanding Team Dynamics in Formula 1

The dynamic between teammates in Formula 1 is perpetually complex. Teams often walk a tightrope between fostering healthy competition and ensuring both drivers have a fair chance at success. Open dialog, clear directives, and a robust internal structure are crucial for navigating these challenges.

did You Know? The concept of “team orders” – explicit instructions given to drivers to prioritize one over the other – has a long and controversial history in Formula 1. While often condemned by fans, they are sometimes deemed necessary by teams to maximize championship points.

Here’s a table outlining common approaches to managing driver rivalries:

Approach	Description	Pros	Cons
Free Competition	Allowing drivers to race each other without interference.	Encourages peak performance, generates excitement.	Risk of collisions, internal conflict.
Protected Leader	Prioritizing the driver leading the championship.	Maximizes championship chances, provides stability.	Can demoralize the other driver, appear unfair.
Rotating Support	Alternating support based on race circumstances.	Offers a balanced approach, maintains driver morale.	Can be confusing, lacks clear direction.

Pro Tip: In Formula 1, the true test of a team’s strength lies not only in the speed of its cars but also in its ability to manage internal competition effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions about McLaren’s Driver Dynamics

• What is the biggest challenge facing McLaren right now? The biggest challenge is deciding how to best support both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in the championship race without causing internal conflict.
• Is there evidence of favoritism towards Lando Norris at McLaren? While some fans suspect favoritism, Guenther Steiner dismissed these claims, suggesting the team’s issues stem from overthinking, not bias.
• How is Mark Webber helping Oscar Piastri? Mark Webber provides crucial mentorship, drawing on his own extensive F1 experience to guide Piastri through the pressures of the sport.
• What happened between Norris and Piastri at the Singapore Grand Prix? Lando Norris made contact with Oscar Piastri during an overtake attempt, leading to Piastri questioning the fairness of the move over the radio.
• Why is Guenther Steiner’s opinion on this matter critically important? Steiner is a former F1 team principal with a reputation for directness and a deep understanding of team dynamics.
• What are “team orders” in formula 1? Team orders are instructions given by the team to its drivers, potentially influencing race strategy or prioritizing one driver over another.
• What happened with Jack Doohan and Alpine? Jack Doohan was released by Alpine after only six races, raising questions about the fairness of the assessment given his limited opportunity.

What are your thoughts on McLaren’s approach to its drivers? Do you believe a clear number one driver should be designated, or should the team maintain a more open approach?

Share your opinions in the comments below!

How might the pressure from “Drive to survive” influence McLaren’s decision-making regarding it’s drivers?

The Rising Tension at McLaren: Piastri vs. Norris

The 2025 Formula 1 season has seen a dramatic shift in the internal dynamics at McLaren, with Oscar Piastri emerging as a serious contender in the Drivers’ Championship. This rise has sparked debate, especially regarding team support, and former Haas Team Principal Guenther Steiner hasn’t shied away from voicing his opinion. Steiner believes McLaren must unequivocally back Piastri, even if it means potentially limiting opportunities for Lando Norris. The core of the issue, many believe, is exacerbated by the spotlight cast by Netflix’s Drive to Survive.

steiner’s Direct Criticism & The Need for Clear Number One Driver

Steiner, known for his blunt assessments, has publicly stated that McLaren is at a crossroads. He argues that a clear number one driver needs to be established to maximize the team’s championship potential.

* Unequal Support: Steiner suggests that subtle biases within the team, potentially stemming from Norris’s longer tenure and established status, could be hindering Piastri’s progress.

* Championship Focus: He emphasizes that a team’s primary goal is to win championships, and if Piastri demonstrates the greater potential, resources should be allocated accordingly. This includes strategy calls, car progress focus, and even track time.

* The “Drive to Survive” Effect: Steiner points to the show’s influence, suggesting it can amplify internal tensions and create a narrative that favors established drivers, potentially influencing team decisions. The increased scrutiny from Drive to Survive adds another layer of complexity to team dynamics.

Analyzing Piastri’s Performance & Championship Credentials

Oscar Piastri’s 2025 season has been nothing short of impressive. He’s consistently challenged Norris, securing multiple podiums and demonstrating a maturity beyond his years.

* race Pace: Piastri’s raw pace is often comparable to, and sometimes exceeds, Norris’s, particularly in qualifying.

* Consistency: He’s shown remarkable consistency, minimizing errors and maximizing points-scoring opportunities.

* Strategic Acumen: Piastri has demonstrated a growing understanding of race strategy and is adept at making quick decisions under pressure.

* Points Standings: As of October 17, 2025, Piastri sits [Insert Current Points Standing Here] in the Drivers’ Championship, only [Insert Points Difference Here] behind Norris.

The “Drive to Survive” Controversy & Team Narratives

Netflix’s Drive to Survive has undeniably changed the landscape of Formula 1. While it’s brought the sport to a wider audience, it’s also been criticized for creating artificial drama and potentially influencing public perception.

* Narrative Control: Teams are increasingly aware of how they are portrayed on the show and may adjust their behavior accordingly.

* Driver Popularity: Drive to Survive can significantly impact driver popularity,potentially influencing sponsorship deals and team loyalty.

* Internal Dynamics: The show’s editing can amplify existing tensions within teams, creating a more dramatic narrative for viewers.

* McLaren’s Position: McLaren, like other teams, is navigating the complexities of participating in Drive to Survive while maintaining a competitive edge.

Historical Precedents: Team Orders & Number One Drivers

The concept of a number one driver isn’t new to Formula 1. Throughout the sport’s history, teams have often prioritized one driver over another in the pursuit of championship glory.

* Ferrari & Schumacher: The dominant era of Michael Schumacher at Ferrari saw the team consistently prioritize his championship aspirations.

* Red Bull & vettel: Similarly, Red Bull often favored Sebastian Vettel during his championship-winning years.

* Mercedes & Hamilton/Rosberg: The intense rivalry between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg at Mercedes saw periods where the team struggled to maintain neutrality.

* the Risks of favoritism: While effective, prioritizing one driver can lead to resentment and internal conflict within the team.

Potential McLaren Strategies: Balancing Ambition & Team Harmony

McLaren faces a delicate balancing act. They need to support Piastri’s championship challenge while also managing Norris’s ambitions and maintaining team harmony.

* Clear Communication: Open and honest communication between the team, Piastri, and Norris is crucial.

* Data-Driven Decisions: Basing decisions on objective data, rather than subjective opinions, can help minimize bias.

* Strategic Flexibility: Being willing to adapt strategy based on the evolving championship situation.

* Long-Term Vision: Considering the long-term implications of their decisions, not just the immediate race results.

The Cost of an Alarming Situation

Interestingly, the increased pressure and scrutiny on teams like McLaren also lead to increased security concerns. According to recent data, the average cost of