McLarens Formula 1 season has erupted into internal turmoil as rising star Oscar Piastri finds himself in a heated battle not only for the 2025 championship but also within his own team. What began as a dominant campaign has turned into a tense power struggle between Piastri and teammate Lando Norrisone that has now drawn the attention of Jos Verstappen, father of reigning champion Max Verstappen.
Court Case Reveals McLaren Boss Zak Brown Allegedly Never Wanted Oscar Piastri
Once leading the standings by 34 points after the Dutch Grand Prix, Piastris run of form unraveled through a series of costly errors and on-track clashes. Following a jump-start crash in Baku and missed opportunities in recent rounds, Norris overtook him in the championship by a single point after Mexico. Team principal Zak Brown has maintained that both drivers are free to race without favoritism, a stance that has sparked debate across the paddock.
With McLarens drivers locked in combat, Verstappen remains within striking distancemirroring the infamous 2007 McLaren season, when internal rivalry between Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso allowed Ferraris Kimi Räikkönen to seize the title. Brown has refused to intervene, insisting he would rather both drivers lose the championship than impose team orders, a decision that has raised eyebrows among fans and former drivers alike.
Jos Verstappen publicly expressed concern over McLarens approach, urging Piastri and his manager, former Australian driver Mark Webber, to take a firmer stance against the situation. He suggested the current handling risks damaging the young drivers reputation and confidence as the title fight tightens.
Heading into Brazil, Piastri faces mounting pressure to respond on track. Despite the internal distractions, he remains determined to prove his early-season pace was no flukeand to reclaim the championship momentum that once made him favorited.Source