
Lando Norris v Oscar Piastri another McLaren battle royal that could end in tears
Helmut Marko has done a lot of talking in the last week. Red Bull's octogenarian motorsport adviser has been busy doing the rounds, on the radio and in the papers, defending the team's decision to jettison Liam Lawson after just two races and bring in Yuki Tsunoda.
Marko's latest (self-serving) justification was to pin the blame on Adrian Newey for not promoting Tsunoda sooner, claiming the now-departed engineer was 'furious' with the Japanese for a crash in Mexico last year, which hurt Max Verstappen's chances in that race. 'From then on, Yuki was a red rag to him,' Marko told Austrian newspaper Kleine Zeitung. 'But now Newey is gone and Yuki has worked hard on himself.'
Anyway, while there is justifiable intrigue within the F1 community to see how Red Bull's decision pans out in Suzuka this weekend, it was something Marko said almost as an aside during one of his many interviews, which was potentially of more significance as far as this year's title race is concerned.
'With an eight-point deficit after two races, nothing has really happened yet,' Marko noted of the drivers' championship, in which McLaren's Lando Norris leads Red Bull's Max Verstappen. 'Aside from the fact that Norris and Piastri will hopefully continue to steal points from each other for some time, a truly Verstappen-friendly track is coming up...'
Marko may or may not be wrong about Lawson and Tsunoda, but he is definitely not wrong about Norris and Piastri. If the first two races of the year are anything to go by, McLaren's two drivers will be taking points off each other all season.
Norris leads the drivers' championship on 44 points, with Piastri fourth, 10 points behind the Briton. But that is largely down to the fact that Piastri spun during the rain-affected Australian race, finishing ninth as Norris won. Until that spin – which of course he ultimately has to take the blame for – the Australian had looked to be a threat to Norris, even being instructed to hold position at one point after he closed.
Where it all went wrong for home-hero @OscarPiastri 😱 #F1 #AusGP pic.twitter.com/SDC1vkbyPU
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 16, 2025
In China, Piastri was clearly the more comfortable of the two McLaren drivers, finishing second in the sprint and winning the feature race.
Piastri's form raises a fascinating question as we head to one of the fastest and and most entertaining circuits on the calendar – if McLaren maintain their mechanical advantage over their rivals, which of their two drivers is favourite to win the title?
The consensus within F1 up until now has generally been that Norris has fractionally more outright pace than Piastri, while the Australian is perhaps the more composed of the two. Is that fair? And if so, which of them is the more likely to improve on his weakness? Norris his mentality or Piastri his pace?
'I think Oscar at the moment has got the edge,' Guenther Steiner, the former Haas team principal, admitted on the Red Flags Podcast this week. 'In China, he showed he has the edge. All the time he was better so, I don't know, maybe Lando didn't like China. If I would have to put money on the world champion now, I would put it on Oscar Piastri.'
One thing is for sure, now would be a good time for Norris to reassert himself over his team-mate. The 25-year-old can write off China as a track that does suit him all he likes, exposing his weakness with understeer and lack of front end grip. But it was a track on which he beat Piastri by more than 40 seconds last season.
With McLaren promising no team orders until one or the other is well out of contention – indeed, Piastri's new contract is said to guarantee that – we could be set for an intra-team battle royal along the lines of those we have seen previously at the Woking team: Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost, or Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso. History suggests those battles can often end in tears. Marko will certainly be hoping that is the case. Red Bull are in the firing line now, but if McLaren squander the fastest car on the grid this year, focus will shift.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Wales Online
an hour ago
- Wales Online
Today's rugby news as Lions make shock new call-up and All Blacks legend dies
Today's rugby news as Lions make shock new call-up and All Blacks legend dies The latest rugby news stories from around the world today Sale Sharks' Asher Opoku-Fordjour (Image: 2025 CameraSport ) These are your rugby headlines on the morning of Monday, June 9. Lions make shock call-up Sale's tight-head prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour has been called up to train with the Lions squad, it has been reported. The 20-year-old has only played once for England and is a shock addition to Andy Farrell's party, according to the BBC, as they head to Portugal for a training camp ahead of facing Argentina in Dublin prior to the tour of Australia. It follows news that former England captain Jamie George has also been drafted in to plug holes in the squad. The Lions are without 16 players currently who are all playing in end-of-season finals next weekend and are set to be left out of that warm-up match against the Pumas in 11 days' time. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Tighthead prop is one of the big issues, with Leinster's Tadhg Furlong and Bath's Will Stuart unavailable, while Scotland and Glasgow's Zander Fagerson is recovering from a calf strain and hasn't played any rugby since April. Opoku-Fordjour has been one of the breakthrough players of the season and was nominated for the Gallagher Premiership Player of the Season award. Article continues below All Blacks legend dies All Blacks legend Stu Wilson has died in his sleep at the age of 70. Wilson played wing for New Zealand from 1976 to 1983, scoring 19 Test tries for his country and played a crucial role in two series victories over the British & Irish Lions in 1977 and 1983. He was also a Wellington legend where he scored 54 tries in 89 matches before becoming a well-respected broadcaster after retiring. Wilson was also a key member of New Zealand's 1978 grand slam tour where they beat England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The victory over Wales in Cardiff is still mired in controversy because with just seconds remaning the hosts led 12-10 before Andy Haden infamously jumped out of the lineout. This led to English referee Roger Quittenton to award a penalty for the All Blacks which allowed Brian McKechnie to kick the winning points which broke Welsh hearts. At one stage Wilson held the record for most tries scored in a Test match for the All Blacks before he was overtaken by the legendary Sir John Kirwan in 1988. Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free 'When I started playing, Stu was the benchmark in world wing play," Australian legend David Campese told Planet Rugby. "He was the man we all wanted to be – cocky, clever, blisteringly quick and brilliantly intelligent. As a player, Stu made rugby look easy and earned huge respect as captain in 1983. "He had a swerve to beat anyone, extreme pace, intellect and power, able to break through tacklers, making him a try-scoring machine. 'I made my debut against him in 1982 in the Bledisloe in Christchurch and grabbed my first Test try against him. "We became very great pals, playing together in invitation games. I still have his jersey from that first Test match and it's one of my most cherished possessions as he represented the standard I wanted to attain." Rugby chief quits overnight By PA Sport Staff New Zealand Rugby (NZR) chief executive Mark Robinson has resigned and will officially leave his post at the end of 2025, the organisation has announced. NZR chairman David Kirk thanked Robinson for his 'great service' to the organisation and the sport over six years. 'On behalf of the Board, I'd like to recognise Mark for his great service to NZR and the sport,' he said in a statement. 'He has led with a passion for rugby and we thank him for his commitment over the past six years. 'Mark has driven significant change, both in New Zealand and internationally, and the Board believes the organisation is well-placed to capitalise on this. Of note was his leadership through a global pandemic that saw the game deal with an unprecedented crisis.' He added: 'Mark will continue to lead for the remainder of the year as we conclude key projects, and the Board will now commence recruitment for the new role.' In a statement, Robinson said he was leaving the role to join his wife and children, who have relocated to Australia. 'My family have been based in Australia for the last few months with all three of my children studying there,' he said. 'My wife is already there supporting them and, ultimately, I will be joining them early next year. 'The past six years have been a period of rapid change, or unprecedented challenges through the pandemic, and significant evolution across commercial, competitions and structures. I will reflect on that as I get closer to stepping away, but I firmly believe the foundations of our organisation are extremely strong and the game is well-placed for the future. 'Our vision is to inspire and unify through rugby and that opportunity has been an easy motivator for me every single day, from the community game right through to the international level.' The 51-year-old called his tenure a 'privilege' and said his focus was on 'supporting the Board and leading the organisation through a pivotal year, including ensuring the Black Ferns have the support they need to defend the Rugby World Cup in England'. He added: 'We also remain focused on implementing a new financial model for the game in New Zealand and completing the remaining work on what will be an exciting future international calendar.' Robinson took up the role in January 2020, having previously served on the organisation's board for seven years. His playing career included nine Tests for the All Blacks between 2000 and 2002 and appearances for the Bristol Bears and Japanese side Kobelco Steelers. Anscombe signs off Wales fly-half Gareth Anscombe has signed off on his time at Gloucester ahead of his new adventure to France. Anscombe spent one season playing in front of The Shed at Kingsholm and heads off to join French side Bayonne for the 2025/26 campaign. His combination with fellow Welshman Tomos Williams in the nine-10 axis was a roaring success but the 33-year-old has decided to move on to pastures new. "Loved my time down at @officialgloucesterrugby for the year, the support we got every time at holm was something special," he wrote on Instagram." "Many thanks to everyone I met along the way, most of all the lads, made some great mates along the way and I'm going to enjoy watching the youngsters tear it up over the next few years. "Bit of down time now and then it's on to France." Bayonne said in a statement last month: "Having played for the Auckland Blues, the Chiefs, and Gloucester, Gareth will bring his experience to our talented line-up. "Gareth Anscombe has also played in two Rugby World Cups for Wales! He will join the club for one season." O'Gara points finger at himself Ronan O'Gara admitted "the main culprit is me" after La Rochelle failed to reach the end-of-season play-offs. This is the first season in his tenure they haven't made the business end knockouts and the Irishman was clear where the blame should lie. An 18-32 defeat to Pau on Saturday meant they slipped out of the top six, finishing the campaign in seventh. O'Gara admitted: 'The coach was especially missing. We talk about discipline all week, but when the coach is suspended, he can't have any impact. The main culprit is me. I'm frustrated, angry, disappointed. And I'm sad for the fans after all the bad games they have had. I'm sad for Brice (Dulin), I'm very sad for Tawera (Kerr-Barlow). He deserves much more than this.' He added: 'I didn't expect that. I ask myself: how can you play like that in a match of this importance? It was more like the team of February or March than the one of the last few weeks. Article continues below 'There was a lot of hesitation at every level when it came to running, kicking, passing… We had won five matches in a row to secure a place (in the top six) and it was as if we thought we were going to arrive and get the job done. But sport, fortunately or unfortunately, isn't like that… Congratulations to Pau.'


BBC News
2 hours ago
- BBC News
How to follow Canadian Grand Prix on the BBC
Round 10 of the 2025 Formula 1 is the Canadian Grand Prix from 13-15 Piastri won the Spanish Grand Prix to move 10 points clear of McLaren team-mate Lando Norris in the drivers' championship. In the constructors' standings, Ferrari moved up to second place, 197 points behind leaders McLaren, while Mercedes drop to third and Red Bull to fourth. Sunday's race in Montreal starts at 19:00 BST. Session start times and BBC coverage Commentary of the race will be available on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds, the BBC Sport website and app and most smart speakers. Make sure to download the Chequered Flag podcast, which previews and reviews every race of the times BSTFriday, 13 JuneFirst practice: 18:30-19:30 (BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2, BBC Sounds and smart speakers)Second practice: 22:00-23:00 (BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, BBC Sounds and smart speakers)Saturday, 14 JuneThird practice: 17:30-18:30 (BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2, BBC Sounds and smart speakers)Qualifying: 21:00-22:00 (BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2, BBC Sounds and smart speakers)Sunday, 15 JuneRace: 19:00 (BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds and smart speakers) What is the weather forecast in Montreal? The early weather forecast in Montreal suggests conditions should be sunny and settled for the practice on Friday and qualifying on Saturday, it should be dry with highs in the region of Sunday's race, the predicted high rises to 23C with an outside chance of a shower during the 70-lap grand prix, which gets under way at 14:00 local time. Which F1 drivers have penalty points? Max Verstappen is one point away from a one-race ban after he was given three penalty points in Spain for appearing to deliberately crash into George four-time world champion is one of 12 drivers with points on their super licence, which are accrued over a 12-month time period. Ask Me Anything has broken down how F1 penalty points work.


North Wales Chronicle
3 hours ago
- North Wales Chronicle
New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson resigns
NZR chairman David Kirk thanked Robinson for his 'great service' to the organisation and the sport over six years. 'On behalf of the Board, I'd like to recognise Mark for his great service to NZR and the sport,' he said in a statement. 'He has led with a passion for rugby and we thank him for his commitment over the past six years. 'Mark has driven significant change, both in New Zealand and internationally, and the Board believes the organisation is well-placed to capitalise on this. Of note was his leadership through a global pandemic that saw the game deal with an unprecedented crisis.' He added: 'Mark will continue to lead for the remainder of the year as we conclude key projects, and the Board will now commence recruitment for the new role.' In a statement, Robinson said he was leaving the role to join his wife and children, who have relocated to Australia. 'My family have been based in Australia for the last few months with all three of my children studying there,' he said. 'My wife is already there supporting them and, ultimately, I will be joining them early next year. 'The past six years have been a period of rapid change, or unprecedented challenges through the pandemic, and significant evolution across commercial, competitions and structures. I will reflect on that as I get closer to stepping away, but I firmly believe the foundations of our organisation are extremely strong and the game is well-placed for the future. 'Our vision is to inspire and unify through rugby and that opportunity has been an easy motivator for me every single day, from the community game right through to the international level.' The 51-year-old called his tenure a 'privilege' and said his focus was on 'supporting the Board and leading the organisation through a pivotal year, including ensuring the Black Ferns have the support they need to defend the Rugby World Cup in England'. He added: 'We also remain focused on implementing a new financial model for the game in New Zealand and completing the remaining work on what will be an exciting future international calendar.' Robinson took up the role in January 2020, having previously served on the organisation's board for seven years. His playing career included nine Tests for the All Blacks between 2000 and 2002 and appearances for the Bristol Bears and Japanese side Kobelco Steelers.