Guenther Steiner Finds McLaren Drivers' Form Reversal 'Strange'

Former Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner has expressed his bewilderment at the sudden and pronounced shift in performance between McLaren teammates Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. With three rounds remaining and both drivers contending for their maiden Formula 1 world championship, Norris has surged ahead, taking dominant victories in the last two races while Piastri has struggled to find the podium since the Italian Grand Prix.

Why it matters:

This unexpected reversal in form among McLaren's drivers could significantly impact the championship's conclusion, adding an intriguing layer of unpredictability to a season already filled with twists. A strong internal battle, especially one with such a dramatic shift in momentum, always captures the attention of the F1 world, highlighting the immense pressure and psychological aspects of top-tier motorsport.

The details:

• Performance Swing: Guenther Steiner highlighted on the Red Flags podcast the "strange switch" where Norris is now delivering what Piastri was achieving just five races ago, calling it "very weird" and unexpected.
• Championship Stakes: Norris currently holds a 24-point lead over Piastri in the drivers' standings after his recent dominant victory in Brazil.
• Recent Form: Norris has won the last two races, demonstrating a significant uplift in performance, while Piastri has not secured a podium finish since Italy.
• Team Performance: McLaren has had one of the quickest cars for a significant portion of the season, clinching the Constructors' Championship in Singapore.
• Piastri's Struggles: Post-summer break, Piastri's form has dipped, and he hasn't won a race since the Dutch Grand Prix.
• Brazil GP Difficulties: Piastri had a challenging Sao Paulo Grand Prix, crashing in the Sprint and receiving a 10-second penalty after an incident with Kimi Antonelli in the Grand Prix, though he ultimately recovered to fifth place.
  • F1 legend Giancarlo Minardi commented on Piastri's Brazil performance, labeling it "insufficient" and "simply not up to the mark."

Between the lines:

Steiner's comments underscore the highly competitive and often unpredictable nature of Formula 1, where driver momentum can shift rapidly. While McLaren has undoubtedly provided a championship-contending car, the internal dynamics between Norris and Piastri are proving to be a compelling subplot. The psychological aspect of racing at the highest level, particularly when vying for a first world title, can manifest in dramatic performance swings.

What's next:

As the season approaches its climax, all eyes will be on how Piastri responds to his recent dip in form and whether Norris can maintain his winning streak to secure his maiden championship. The final three rounds will be crucial in determining if this "strange" turnaround continues or if Piastri can reignite his early-season momentum to challenge his teammate. The outcome will be a defining moment for both drivers' careers.