As the 2024 Formula 1 drivers’ championship tightens, the rivalry between McLaren teammates Norris and Piastri could tip the balance in Verstappen’s favor.
With both drivers in the hunt for points, it’s easy to draw parallels to McLaren‘s tricky 2007 season, when Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso went head-to-head for the title. With six Grands Prix still to go, McLaren must avoid repeating its old mistakes if it hopes to secure both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships.
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What was the McLaren’s first mistake in 2007?
In 2007, McLaren was preparing an intense season as two titans of racing joined their ranks. Two-time F1 world champion Fernando Alonso and the sensational rookie Lewis Hamilton were paired. The tone was set from the first race in Australia, with both drivers displaying incredible speed. However, the intensity of their competition quickly led to friction between them. The breaking point came during the Hungarian Grand Prix, when Alonso deliberately blocked Hamilton in the pits during qualifying, marking a total breakdown in their trust dynamic. By the end of the season, at the final race in Brazil, three drivers were still in contention for the title: Hamilton, Alonso, and Räikkönen driving for Scuderia Ferrari. Mechanical issues prevented Hamilton from clinching the victory, and Alonso finished third, leaving Räikkönen to win the world championship. McLaren’s disqualification due to the Spygate scandal only darkened the picture. The tension between Alonso and Hamilton became unbearable, leading the Spanish to leave the British team after just one season.
What is the McLaren’s biggest mistake this season?
Back in 2024, McLaren is again in a tricky position. Lando Norris, who’s been on the grid for nearly six years and endured McLaren’s five difficult seasons, now shares the garage with rookie Oscar Piastri, who has shown immense potential. We agree, it’s a problem without being one. They have perhaps the best pair of drivers on the grid, both talented, young and mature enough. While things started off smoothly, McLaren’s strategy of having Norris let Piastri pass for his first win in Hungary planted the first seed of rivalry. Throughout the season, particularly at the Italian GP and in Baku, Piastri demonstrated that he won’t back down from a fight with Norris. This wouldn’t be much of an issue if the team weren’t vying for any titles, but this year, Verstappen isn’t as untouchable as he once was. Just like in 2007, McLaren has failed to establish a clear hierarchy between its drivers. And just like in 2007, the drivers’ title could come down to the wire, with McLaren potentially missing out on a win, leaving its top driver second-best.
How can McLaren secure Formula 1 both championships?
First, let’s address the constructors’ championship. That victory seems nearly in the bag. Both drivers are performing exceptionally well, and there’s still a mutual respect between Norris and Piastri, which has kept them from clashing on track. I believe they will continue to bring in big points. Red Bull Racing is far behind, and despite their improved performance at the Singapore GP, Perez is too far off the pace. Lastly, the drivers’ title, this is where McLaren must ensure that Piastri supports Norris in defeating Verstappen. As l’ve mentioned in this article, Norris can’t afford any mistakes, and Piastri needs to get between his teammate and the Dutchman. Arriving in Formula 1 in 2023, Oscar Piastri is is truly talented, and it’s only natural that he wants to prove himself in his second season. McLaren can allow its teammates to battle it out in 2025, and by then, perhaps both will be fighting for the drivers’ title alongside a much less dominant Verstappen, and maybe even two Ferrari drivers.
This article explores the dramatic history of McLaren’s internal rivalries in 2007 and how they might shape the current season. With the championship battle tightening, the team must navigate these challenges to achieve their championship ambitions.
