Racing legend Mario Andretti has urged McLaren to designate a lead driver by the campaign’s halfway mark if it wants the Drivers’ Championship.
Papaya parity under scrutiny
Team chief Zak Brown insists Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri remain equal, but history suggests equal status can squander titles.
“When you have two capable winners in the same team, where do you go from there?” Andretti asked. “Only one can win.”
Lessons from the past
Andretti cited 1973, when Emerson Fittipaldi and Ronnie Peterson split points and lost the crown, as a cautionary tale.
Risk of Verstappen factor
Andretti believes hesitation could let Max Verstappen pounce if Red Bull’s form improves after summer.
Team perspective
Brown has admitted a collision between his drivers is “a matter of when, rather than if,” but hopes calm personalities will manage any flashpoint.
Championship arithmetic
Piastri leads Norris by 16 points after six rounds.
If that margin grows, outside voices will intensify demands for McLaren to back one horse.