McLaren will not impose team orders on Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, even as the championship battle intensifies following Norris's Las Vegas disqualification. Team Principal Andrea Stella confirmed both drivers will race freely, maintaining the team's long-standing policy despite the high stakes. This decision keeps McLaren's approach consistent but carries potential risks in a tight title fight.
Lando Norris asserts McLaren will continue to take ride height risks despite their double disqualification in Las Vegas for excessive plank wear. With only two races left, Norris, leading the standings by 24 points, believes pushing the limits is crucial to compete with Red Bull and maximize performance in the final championship push.
Alex Albon has publicly criticized the FIA stewards for their inconsistent application of penalties, supporting Oscar Piastri's previous concerns. Citing examples from the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Albon expressed confusion over differing rulings for similar incidents, including his own penalty for contact with Lewis Hamilton. He hopes for clearer guidelines in future drivers' meetings, acknowledging the complexities but emphasizing the need for consistency.
Max Verstappen, Fernando Alonso, and George Russell have heavily criticized the physical toll of current F1 cars, with Verstappen reporting severe back and foot pain. The FIA acknowledges these unexpected ergonomic issues, primarily due to stiff, low-riding ground-effect designs. Officials are hopeful the 2026 regulations will naturally lead to softer car setups and higher ride heights, alleviating driver discomfort, though they remain cautiously optimistic about future outcomes.
Mika Hakkinen, a former McLaren champion, dismisses claims of favoritism towards Lando Norris over Oscar Piastri, arguing F1's high stakes preclude such biases. He attributes Norris's recent success to heightened motivation and the natural advantage of his longer tenure with the team, emphasizing ambition and experience as key factors in the championship battle.
Despite driver complaints and a drop to fourth in the Constructors' Championship, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur insists the 2025 season is "not a complete disaster." He highlights the team's recent position ahead of rivals and frames driver frustrations as a natural drive for more, as Ferrari battles to recover ground in the final races.
The F1 Qatar Grand Prix is set to be a thrilling penultimate race of the season. Lando Norris could clinch his first drivers' title as he leads Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen in a tight championship battle. Mercedes is poised to secure second in the constructors' standings, while Pirelli's 25-lap stint limit introduces a mandatory two-stop strategy, adding a layer of tactical intrigue to the race at the Lusail International Circuit.
Lewis Hamilton has clarified his 'not looking forward to 2026' comments made after the Las Vegas GP, attributing them to post-race frustration and exhaustion. He affirmed his excitement for Ferrari's future development and his role within the team, choosing to look forward rather than dwell on a challenging first season with the Scuderia. His remarks highlight the intense pressure F1 drivers face and his enduring commitment to his new team.
Aston Martin has confirmed Adrian Newey will become their team principal from 2026, alongside his current role as managing technical partner. This move, replacing Andy Cowell, has divided F1 fans, with some hailing it as a game-changer for Aston Martin's 2026 campaign under new regulations, while others express concern that the legendary designer might be spreading his responsibilities too thin.
McLaren's team boss Andrea Stella confirms the team will continue to treat Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri equally in the F1 championship, despite a dramatic points shift after both cars were disqualified in Las Vegas. This decision comes as Max Verstappen closes in on both drivers, intensifying the title fight and testing McLaren's long-standing philosophy of fairness over early driver prioritization. The team remains confident in its strategy and aims to rebound strongly in the upcoming Qatar Grand Prix.
Oscar Piastri has confirmed that he will not be helping teammate Lando Norris in the F1 title fight against Max Verstappen in Qatar. Despite being 24 points behind Norris, Piastri remains tied with Verstappen in the standings and intends to pursue his own championship ambitions. This decision sets the stage for a dramatic three-way battle, with Piastri acknowledging his chances are an 'outside shot' but not impossible.
McLaren's double disqualification in Las Vegas for excessively worn skid blocks has prompted the FIA to investigate potential changes to F1's technical regulations. Team Principal Andrea Stella revealed discussions about introducing more proportionate penalties for minor, unintentional infringements, aiming to avoid automatic disqualifications for issues with minimal performance gain, signaling a potential shift in how technical compliance is judged in Formula 1.
