Lando Norris (front) stalks teammate Oscar Piastri (3rd from left). © ANSA / FAZRY ISMAIL

World Cup party with tensions at McLaren

With the Formula 1 Constructors' title secured, the World Championship battle between McLaren teammates Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris is likely to intensify as the season draws to a close. While the British racing team was delighted with their tenth team victory in Singapore, there was little sense of harmony among the drivers. World Championship leader Piastri, in particular, showed signs of nerves.

06 October 2025

From: apa

The Australian allowed himself to be overtaken by Norris at the start of the floodlit race, subsequently complained several times on the radio about the aggressive but correct overtaking maneuver and spoke of a lack of team spirit.

Norris, who finished third ahead of Piastri, had inadvertently almost forced his teammate into the wall after contact with Max Verstappen's Red Bull. In retrospect, the ailing Norris denied allegations of wrongdoing. "Anyone in the field would have done exactly the same as me," Norris said. He admittedly misjudged the situation a bit, but that's part of racing.

Piastri lead shrinks slightly

Piastri admitted that the incident during the opening phase contributed to his anger in the cockpit. After the race, the championship leader, who is now 22 points ahead of Norris and 63 points ahead of Verstappen, appeared more conciliatory. "I don't think the contact was intentional," he said. McLaren team principal Andrea Stella announced an internal review in the coming days. "It will certainly lead to the team being even more united and stronger," said the Italian.

“We want to let them drive” McLaren team boss Andrea Stella

Will the Constructors' Championship now secured with six race weekends to go, change the approach of the two World Championship rivals? According to Stella, the so-called "papaya rules" will remain in place; both drivers are allowed to battle each other on track as usual without team intervention. "We want to let them race and protect this principle," Stella emphasized.

Next showdown in Austin

The opening phase of Singapore could certainly have been a foretaste of the future duels between the two McLaren rivals. The season continues in two weeks at the US Grand Prix in Austin, one of the three remaining sprint weekends. Verstappen will also be aiming to build on his recent strong results there. After two GP victories, the defending champion defended second place ahead of the McLaren duo in the floodlit race in Singapore, keeping his slim World Championship hopes alive.

Max Verstappen wants to get involved in the fight for the world championship title. © ANSA / TOM WHITE

"In terms of speed, they were significantly faster," Verstappen analyzed, adding that overtaking is impossible in Singapore. The four-time champion has fond memories of the Texas track, having won three times in a row at the Circuit of The Americas from 2021 to 2023.