Steiner Baffled by McLaren Drivers' Sudden Role Reversal

Former Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner finds the sudden shift in performance between McLaren teammates Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri "very weird," especially as the season nears its conclusion. Norris has recently surged, winning the last two races and building a 24-point lead over Piastri, who hasn't been on the podium since Italy.

Why it matters:

McLaren has arguably had the quickest car for much of the season, and both drivers are vying for their maiden Formula 1 world championship. A significant and unexpected shift in performance between two highly talented teammates at such a crucial stage can impact team dynamics, championship outcomes, and their future standing in the sport. Such a dramatic turnaround is rare and raises questions about underlying factors.

The Details:

• Unexpected Switch: Steiner, speaking on The Red Flags podcast, noted the "strange switch" where Norris is now performing at the level Piastri was five races ago, calling it unprecedented in his experience.
• Norris's Surge: Lando Norris has secured dominant victories in the last two races, establishing a clear lead over his teammate. His recent form marks a significant acceleration in his championship bid.
• Piastri's Recent Struggles: Since the summer break and particularly after the Dutch Grand Prix, where he last won, Piastri's performance has reportedly stuttered.
• Brazil GP Difficulties: Oscar Piastri had a challenging weekend at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. He crashed in the Sprint race and was involved in an incident with Kimi Antonelli in the Grand Prix, earning a 10-second penalty. Despite recovering to fifth, F1 legend Giancarlo Minardi deemed his performance "insufficient."
• Constructors' Championship: Despite individual performance fluctuations, McLaren secured the Constructors' Championship in Singapore, underscoring the overall strength of their car throughout the season.

The Big Picture:

This unexpected role reversal between Norris and Piastri comes at a critical juncture in the season, with only three rounds remaining. While McLaren has a dominant car, the internal battle for the drivers' championship has seen a dramatic turn. Norris's recent surge could propel him to his first title, while Piastri faces increasing pressure to regain his earlier season form. The unexpected nature of this shift, as highlighted by Steiner, suggests there might be more to this dynamic than meets the eye, impacting how both drivers are perceived and how McLaren manages its championship pursuit.

What's next:

With the championship battle intensifying, all eyes will be on how Piastri responds in the final races. His ability to recover form and challenge Norris will be crucial for his championship aspirations and to prove his consistency. For Norris, maintaining his current momentum will be key to converting his lead into a maiden F1 title. The resolution of this "weird switch" will undoubtedly be a major storyline as the season concludes.