Jolyon Palmer reckons the story of McLaren’s season isn’t the nine points between its drivers. It’s the pile of missed chances on Oscar Piastri’s side that, in his view, should’ve made this title fight far less tense.
Speaking on F1 Nation, the former Renault driver didn’t hedge. “On pretty much all stats and viewing, Piastri has been the better driver so far,” Palmer said. “I look through it and think that championship lead that’s nine points could easily be 61 points, but largely for a bit of luck.”
Strong words, but the logic tracks. Norris came into 2025 off the back of beating Piastri last season and started this one sharply. Yet as Piastri settled, he ripped off a hat-trick of wins and looked every bit the title favourite. Even so, the margin remains small — and Palmer points straight at the flashpoints.
Melbourne? Both McLarens skated through the gravel, but Piastri’s off was worse, and Palmer calculates “16 points” gone right there. Silverstone? A rare penalty that many in the paddock felt was harsh, and one that cost Piastri the win. Imola? Safety car timing that “only” flipped a six-point swing, but in a championship this tight that’s massive.
Then there was Budapest, the sore one before the summer shutdown. Piastri committed to two stops while Norris nursed a one-stop from P3 to the flag. “A great win for Lando,” Palmer said, “but he did it because he had a bad start, was in the wrong position, and then sort of got into the right strategy that Oscar wasn’t given.” Miami’s sprint even gets a mention — safety car falls one way, “two points” slip the other.
Add it up and Palmer’s view is blunt: Piastri has a slender edge in qualifying, has “outraced” Norris, and would be cruising if the breaks had been even. The timing of those moments matters too. Norris has won three of the last four, which bends the narrative in his favour as the season restarts — but the underlying performance picture isn’t so clear-cut.
The only indisputable truth? With nine points in it, McLaren’s garage is walking a tightrope. Every strategy call, every safety car, every stewarding decision carries title weight now. Piastri has done enough to be ahead on merit, says Palmer. The standings don’t reflect it. And that mismatch is exactly what makes the second half so dangerous — and so compelling.
