Naomi Schiff believes Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have made secret ‘agreement’ amid Bahrain Grand Prix duel

Lando Norris is 13 points ahead of McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri before Sunday’s Bahrain Grand Prix. Max Verstappen – just one point off the lead – separates the duo as a three-way title picture starts to emerge.

The gap at McLaren essentially comes down to Piastri’s error during the Australian Grand Prix. He was caught out by a shower while running the slick tyres, spinning into the grass and tumbling down the order.

He responded impressively by converting his first ever pole position at the Chinese GP, and followed Norris home for a podium finish in Japan. But consistency will be vital as he mounts his first-ever championship challenge.

Last year, the story was Norris trying to hunt down Verstappen, with Piastri called to his aid in the final stretch of races. But McLaren’s clear pace advantage at the outset changes the landscape in 2025.

Naomi Schiff says Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are restricted during races

Piastri was hunting down Norris at his home race before he made his heartbreaking error. At one point, the team instructed him to pole position as they navigated backmarkers.

In China, Norris couldn’t keep up with Piastri, but they were close on track once again at Suzuka. Piastri suggested swapping the cars so he could attack race leader Verstappen, but the team refused.

Speaking on the F1 Show at the Bahrain Grand Prix, Sky Sports pundit Naomi Schiff suggested that a secret ‘agreement’ had been made at McLaren. While they insist publicly that the drivers are free to race, the reality may be different.

Schiff reckons that, from a set point in the race, McLaren will expect the second driver not to attack his teammate. And that puts an even greater emphasis on qualifying.

“Unfortunately for Oscar, he’s going to need to outqualify Lando,” she said. “From what it seems, they must have some sort of agreement that after x amount of laps, or x amount of turns, whoever’s ahead stays there unless there’s any reason to start racing each other.

“That’s their biggest concern – they’ve got two drivers that are so competitive that they’re not going to let them race each other.”

Karun Chandhok fears McLaren made big mistake before Bahrain Grand Prix

If Schiff’s theory is correct, then it could hurt Norris and Piastri in the drivers’ championship. Verstappen will want them to face as many restrictions as possible.

McLaren gifted Verstappen a psychological triumph in Japan, Karun Chandhok says, after refusing to take any risks. The Dutchman will have drawn a great deal of confidence from his magnificent and surprising victory.

Chandhok’s colleague Martin Brundle says Norris fell into Verstappen’s trap after the reigning champion claimed he could disappear into the distance if he drove a McLaren. The mind games are starting to intensify.

Zak Brown and Andrea Stella have repeatedly said that they have ‘two number one drivers’. But after interviewing the CEO, ESPN’s Nicole Briscoe suggested that Norris is McLaren’s ‘chosen son’.