McLaren chief uneasy over absent Piastri-Norris orders

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has admitted he’s uneasy about the team’s hands-off approach to managing its drivers in the 2025 Formula 1 title battle. With Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri locked in a tight fight for the drivers’ crown, Stella believes the absence of strict team orders could prove risky as the season heats up.

Speaking after McLaren’s latest 1-2 finish at the Belgian Grand Prix, where Piastri edged out Norris in tricky conditions, Stella stressed that flawless execution from both drivers will decide the championship. “We’re not imposing orders right now, but it doesn’t sit easy with me,” he said. “Our car’s pace is strong, yet rivals are closing in, and any slip-up between our guys could cost us dearly.”

The Italian, who guided McLaren to constructors’ glory in 2024, pointed to recent upgrades like the low-downforce rear wing debuted at Spa as key to maintaining their edge. But he warned against complacency, noting that circuits like Monza and Baku will test the team’s strategy even further.

Norris currently leads Piastri by a slim margin in the standings, with both drivers racking up multiple wins this year. Stella’s comments highlight the delicate balance McLaren must strike—fostering fair competition while protecting their shot at a drivers’ title double. As the grid heads to the summer break, all eyes are on whether team orders might soon enter the fray to safeguard their dominance.