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How McLaren’s radio messages are making Lando Norris’ title fight even harder

Originally posted on HITC | By David Comerford | Last updated Nov 1, 2025 12:57 PM ET

McLaren have managed to keep things steady within the team through the first 20 races of the season, even with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri fighting for the title. That reflects well on how senior management is handling things.

That speaks to the environment Zak Brown and Andrea Stella have built, but also to how Norris and Piastri are handling themselves. Now just one point apart, both drivers seem committed to what McLaren is trying to do as a whole.

There have been a few flashpoints, like when Norris made contact with Piastri in Singapore. But neither driver has taken those frustrations public, nor have they turned against the team in front of cameras. Issues appear to be kept behind closed doors without much leaking out.

Things will only get tougher in the coming weeks though. Both drivers may soon need to decide whether to back their own championship hopes or put the team’s goals first.

Monza: Norris allowed Piastri to take the first pit stop

There’s been a bit of talk around the paddock that McLaren are leaning towards Norris, and much of that speculation started at Monza. Piastri had to let his teammate through after a slow pit stop for car number four.

McLaren felt this was only fair because Norris (net P2) had allowed Piastri (net P3) to pit first in order to cover off the threat of Charles Leclerc. Based on the Briton’s radio, this was a pre-planned measure.

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The Briton responded by asking: “Did you want to box the other car first? Well, only if he doesn’t undercut, otherwise I’ll box first.”

Tom Stallard then told him over team radio: “This is a bit like Hungary last year. We pitted you first for team reasons. Please let Lando past, then you’re free to race.”

Lando Norris denied Oscar Piastri the first stop in Singapore

Just one round later, McLaren found themselves in a similar spot. Leclerc had pitted early again, putting Piastri (net P4) under pressure.

Norris, who was one place ahead, was once again asked if he’d give up his right to the first stop. This time, he refused.

Piastri still finished fourth, while Norris just missed out on second place to Max Verstappen.

McLaren asked Lando Norris to ‘help the other side’ in Mexico

In Mexico, with Norris leading comfortably, Joseph made a different kind of request. This time, it was about tyre choice, aimed at assisting Piastri.

“Lando, to help the other side: how much do you prefer the soft tyre over the medium?” he asked. “A little bit or a lot?” Norris didn’t hesitate to respond: “I mean it doesn’t feel too bad now, but I still think the soft.”

Given the situation, with McLaren already holding the constructors’ title and Piastri still in contention for second place in the drivers’ standings, Norris could have easily declined.

But McLaren are asking him to walk a tightrope. By helping out, he gives his main rival an edge. If he doesn’t help though, it’ll be seen as him stepping away from what’s best for the team.

This season’s gone beyond just points and positions; there are bigger questions at play now. And they need to make sure both drivers can stay focused on their own races without worrying about extra distractions or second-guessing each call from the pit wall.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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