Will McLaren's CEO Declare a 'Coin Toss' in the Championship Fight Between Norris and Piastri?

New Delhi, July 30 (NationPress) The excitement of the 2025 Formula 1 season is palpable, with McLaren's drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris entrenched in an intense struggle for the championship title.

As they approach the Hungarian Grand Prix, Piastri maintains a narrow 16-point advantage over his teammate, bolstered by a commanding victory in Belgium. However, McLaren CEO Zak Brown believes the competition is too close to definitively call.

In an interview with Sky Sports F1, Brown acknowledged that the performance levels of Piastri and Norris are remarkably similar, noting that the team has achieved 10 wins across 13 races this season, with many resulting in one-two finishes.

“Both drivers are thriving due to their consistent wins and one-twos,” Brown remarked when addressing who has the upper hand at the moment. “Oscar was somewhat let down by his qualifying in Belgium, whereas Lando was pleased. Although Lando may feel disappointed not to have won today, he comes off two victories. I believe every weekend will feel like a coin toss.”

Brown praised the 24-year-old Australian, stating, “Oscar is a formidable competitor. His aggressive driving style, combined with his ability to consistently finish races, is quite impressive.”

Despite McLaren's recent success and Max Verstappen trailing by 81 points from championship leader Piastri, Brown isn't ready to dismiss the Red Bull driver just yet.

“It's premature to make any declarations. Things are looking positive, but Max is still in the race. There is ample time left in the season. Although we enjoy a good lead, I wouldn’t say we’ve secured it yet,” Brown cautioned. “Having been in this sport long enough, we recognize that celebrating too soon can be perilous.”

Team Principal Andrea Stella supported Brown's perspective on the tight contest within the team, asserting that both drivers will receive equal chances to compete for the championship based on their performance.

“There is very, very little separating our two drivers, which speaks to the high level at which they are racing,” Stella stated. “McLaren is fortunate to have two drivers deserving of a shot at the World Championship. The ultimate difference will boil down to accuracy, precision, and execution quality.”

Stella referenced recent instances where minor errors or unfortunate events influenced race outcomes. “At Silverstone, Oscar faced a sporting issue during the Safety Car restart, which cost him the race. In Spa, Lando was always going to face challenges starting first at the Safety Car restart. Additionally, Lando could have improved his position with a better gap at the finish line. Execution will be crucial in determining the eventual champion.”

Piastri and Norris, who have been teammates since 2023, share a respectful rivalry. While Norris had the advantage last season, Piastri has significantly improved in 2025, currently leading 7-6 in their qualifying duels.