Piastri Won't Support Norris' Title Bid in Qatar; Stroll Confirms Newey as Team Principal

Oscar Piastri has declared he will not assist Lando Norris in securing the F1 title against Max Verstappen in Qatar, aiming to keep his own championship hopes alive. Meanwhile, Lawrence Stroll has reportedly confirmed Adrian Newey as Aston Martin's Team Principal for 2026, ruling out Christian Horner's move.

Why it matters:

The F1 driver's championship is heading towards a thrilling conclusion with three drivers—Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, and Max Verstappen—separated by just 24 points. Piastri's decision not to act as a wingman for Norris sets the stage for a dramatic, no-holds-barred internal McLaren battle, potentially opening the door for Verstappen. Concurrently, Aston Martin's strategic leadership changes signal ambitious plans for the 2026 season, marking a significant shift in team dynamics and future competitiveness.

The details:

• McLaren's Internal Battle: Oscar Piastri, tied on points with Max Verstappen, explicitly stated he would not help Lando Norris secure the title in Qatar, aiming for his own championship victory.
• Championship Stakes: Norris leads the championship, with Piastri and Verstappen both 24 points behind with two Grands Prix and one sprint race remaining.
• Piastri's Mindset: Despite acknowledging his 'outside shot,' Piastri remains focused on achieving his best individual results, not relying on team orders.
• Aston Martin Leadership: Lawrence Stroll informed Aston Martin staff that Adrian Newey would assume the Team Principal role for 2026, squashing rumors of Christian Horner joining the team.
• Internal Dynamics at Aston Martin: Newey was reportedly unsure of this new role, and paddock sources indicate the decision was rushed. There were also claims of clashes between Newey and former team principal Andy Cowell.
• Current Team Principal Gap: With Andy Cowell no longer trackside, Mike Krack is expected to step in as trackside team principal for the final two races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
• Newey's Race Presence: Newey will be trackside at the Qatar Grand Prix, his third appearance at a race weekend in 2025 and first since the British Grand Prix.
• Qatar Tyre Rule: A new rule limiting tyre sets to a maximum of 25 laps per set at the Lusail Circuit could negate McLaren's usual tyre management advantage, potentially benefiting Max Verstappen.
• Verstappen's Opportunity: This tyre regulation could remove one challenge for Verstappen against McLaren, especially given McLaren's consistent pit stop issues throughout the season.

What's next:

The upcoming Qatar Grand Prix will be pivotal. Piastri's independent approach will test McLaren's internal cohesion and could significantly impact Norris's title chances. Meanwhile, the Aston Martin paddock will be closely watched for any further developments regarding Newey's integration and the immediate impact of leadership changes, particularly with Mike Krack taking over trackside duties.