Mika Hakkinen insists McLaren ‘need to’ do one thing with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri that Zak Brown’s ruled out

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are battling each other for the 2025 Formula 1 world championship. The pair are separated by just three points heading into the Spanish Grand Prix.

Norris was tipped by many as the favourite for the title over the winter. The Brit began the year in fine style with pole position and the win in the season opener in Melbourne.

However, Norris would not grab another pole or win until the Monaco GP. Mistakes in qualifying and in his racecraft have opened the door for McLaren teammate Piastri to establish an advantage.

The Aussie has claimed four wins and three pole positions thus far, having found an extra level of performance in the MCL39. Piastri is making life difficult for Norris in qualifying; a weakness that cost him in 2024, with the latter outqualifying the former 20-4 across the season.

Lewis Hamilton has acknowledged Piastri’s qualifying performances, saying he is delivering on Saturday where Norris is not. But the Brit’s win in Monaco has put the pressure on, and it could give McLaren a real headache come the end of the season.

Mika Hakkinen insists McLaren ‘need to’ support either Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri with team orders

McLaren have constantly reiterated that they have two number one drivers and that they will be given the freedom to fight in 2025.

Zak Brown said McLaren won’t use team orders while both are still in contention. The team caused controversy in 2024 with their ‘papaya rules’, which favoured Norris over Piastri in his bid to beat Max Verstappen.

Piastri wants to avoid team orders in 2025 and is currently flourishing with the freedom he has on track. However, McLaren risk losing the title if the Aussie and Norris take points off each other.

Former McLaren driver and two-time F1 champion Mika Hakkinen insists the Woking outfit ‘need to’ deploy team orders at the end of the season and favour the driver best-positioned to win the title.

“I’m pretty sure that when we are moving towards the end of the season, they need to start supporting one of the drivers, either Oscar or Lando. It is for sure, it has to happen,” he said via F1 Explains.

“But now, the start of the season, it’s a show. It’s a competition and both drivers need to have a fair chance to be able to win a world championship and I think that’s what’s happening at the moment.

“I think it’s really good, I think it’s very great.”

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McLaren could open the door for Max Verstappen to claim his fifth title with team orders uncertainty

David Croft thinks McLaren can take inspiration from Mercedes in their title battle. Hamilton and Nico Rosberg were allowed to battle in 2016 as it was clear they were the only ones capable of winning races.

However, the Woking outfit does not have the same luxury in 2025. Verstappen has proved to be a thorn in McLaren’s side, with two wins and three poles in the inferior RB21.

Verstappen is relying on Norris and Piastri battling to gain points on them in the standings. The Dutchman is Red Bull’s lead driver and will not have any competition from Yuki Tsunoda, making him McLaren’s number one threat.

Mario Andretti says McLaren need to back one of their drivers, now that Red Bull are fully focused on Verstappen winning the drivers’ title. The team could open the door for the 27-year-old to claim a fifth title if they do not intervene sooner.