If Max Verstappen were driving for McLaren, he might have already sealed the F1 championship by mid-season. His ability to maximize performance could have left little room for rivals, but the current dynamic between McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri presents a completely different story for the 2025 title race.
Verstappen’s absence from McLaren has allowed Norris and Piastri to engage in an intense, unpredictable rivalry that has thrilled fans but also brought risks. The collision between the two teammates at the Canadian Grand Prix disrupted what might have been a straightforward race, while their fierce competition in Austria reignited the passion many have for the sport. Yet, such battles could prove costly for McLaren’s title hopes if another accident causes a double retirement. With Verstappen trailing closely behind, McLaren risks handing the door wide open to his 2025 F1 title challenge.
McLaren’s current driver rivalry and its implications for the title
When two teammates compete fiercely for the championship, the result can be entertaining but also stressful for team management. The Mercedes rivalry between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg from 2014 to 2016 demonstrated that such competition can coexist with team success, culminating in a Mercedes driver winning the title each year without compromising the team’s dominance. However, Mercedes controlled the hybrid era with superior machinery and benefited from having the best driver on the grid. McLaren does not currently enjoy the same dominant advantage.
Although McLaren has maintained a substantial lead this season, Verstappen’s skill means he remains a serious threat. He is just 69 points behind Piastri, putting him within striking distance if McLaren’s drivers falter during the remaining races. Should Norris and Piastri suffer three consecutive DNFs in the final rounds, Verstappen could easily return to the top and mount a late title surge.
Despite this looming threat, McLaren CEO Zak Brown remains unshaken in his faith that Norris and Piastri can manage their rivalry responsibly. Speaking ahead of the Spa Grand Prix, Brown emphasized the importance of clean racing and mutual respect between the teammates.
“It’s the same rules. Race each other hard, race each other clean, and try to get as many points on the board for the team. Then it’s up to them to decide who is in front of who.”
—Zak Brown, McLaren CEO
Brown praised the chemistry he believes exists between Norris and Piastri and sees their Canadian Grand Prix incident as an example of mature handling rather than reckless rivalry.
“I think the relationship they have is fantastic. We’ve put a lot of time and effort into building our team and having chemistry within the team, and that starts with the drivers.”
—Zak Brown, McLaren CEO
He also expressed confidence that despite their competitive nature, the two drivers will maintain professionalism throughout the season.
“May the best man win, and I’m sure they’ll shake hands and congratulate each other. Obviously, both of them want to win, but I see no reason why, knowing the personalities and the way they race, that they can’t remain very good team-mates.”
—Zak Brown, McLaren CEO
The fine line between fierce competition and team strategy
While fans relish the excitement when teammate battles unfold on track, the risks increase sharply when title pressure mounts, especially at demanding circuits like Baku and Singapore later this year. Mistakes become more likely when every point is crucial, and a single misjudgment could trigger a collision that damages both McLaren’s championship hopes.
McLaren’s management, including Technical Director Andrea Stella, understands the delicate balance between letting drivers race freely and safeguarding team results. Their insight into Norris and Piastri’s characters gives them confidence, but with Verstappen waiting in the wings, the stakes could not be higher.
If Verstappen capitalizes on any missteps by McLaren’s duo and claims the championship in Abu Dhabi, it will highlight how internal friction cost the team a golden opportunity. For now, McLaren’s gamble on pure competition keeps fans on edge, watching to see whether the internal rivalry will end with glory or heartbreak.
What lies ahead for McLaren and Verstappen’s title hopes
The remainder of the 2025 season promises an intense showdown as McLaren’s internal tension and Verstappen’s persistence create an anxious atmosphere around the championship. Verstappen’s ability to perform even with less dominant machinery means he remains a formidable opponent, and any slip-up by Norris or Piastri could provide the opening he needs to reclaim the lead.
McLaren’s decision not to impose strict team orders reflects a belief in their drivers’ professionalism, but the continued pressure and high stakes could test that trust. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the battles unfold on the tracks of Baku, Singapore, and Abu Dhabi, knowing that a costly clash or a brilliant drive could decide the 2025 F1 title race.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Max Verstappen: Who has the bigger net worth in 2025? Lewis Hamilton, with a net worth of $300 million, surpasses Max Verstappen’s $200 million. Hamilton’s wealth is from Formula 1 earnings, endorsements, smart investments, and properties.
A. Who is wealthier, Max Verstappen or Lewis Hamilton?
Q. What gender is Max Verstappen’s baby?
A. Verstappen and Piquet have announced the birth of their baby girl, Lily. They first revealed they were expecting before the last 2024 season race in Abu Dhabi. Lily is now a younger sister to Piquet’s other daughter, Penelope.
Q. Who is Max Verstappen’s girlfriend’s baby daddy?
A. Before dating Verstappen, she had a relationship with another F1 driver, Daniil Kvyat, and they had a daughter in 2019. Piquet and Verstappen later shared the news of their first child, a daughter named Lily, born on May 2. “Welcome to the world, sweet Lily.”
Q. Is Penelope not Max Verstappen’s daughter?
A. Kelly Piquet, who is the daughter of ex-world champion Nelson Piquet, has a daughter named Penelope from an earlier relationship with former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat. Max Verstappen has developed a strong bond with Penelope. He recently mentioned this bond when asked if fatherhood might affect his racing performance.