The recent on-track battle between McLaren teammates Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in Canada was not favorable for Norris. The incident allowed Piastri to expand his championship lead to 22 points after Norris failed to score.
Norris acknowledged his significant mistake after the crash with the pit wall barrier. He now needs to show resilience and strive to regain points against Piastri at the Red Bull Ring.
Norris Must Rebound
So far in the 2025 season, McLaren has proven to be the strongest team on the grid, boasting seven grand prix wins, six pole positions, and 16 podium finishes. However, Norris and Piastri hadn’t had a major race confrontation until the last event.
Piastri managed to fend off his more experienced teammate for several laps, but just four laps from the finish, Norris attempted to claim the inside line, resulting in a collision. Norris took full accountability for the incident, apologizing to Piastri afterward.
Piastri graciously accepted the apology, feeling little disappointment considering the situation benefited him in the standings. Though Piastri faced a challenging weekend and finished off the podium, he arrives in Austria with a comfortable advantage over his teammate.
Rivalry Renewed: Verstappen and Russell
Max Verstappen is currently struggling to defend his title against the two McLaren drivers. Unlike previous rounds where he faced incidents, his recent conflicts have been with Mercedes’ George Russell.
The upcoming race in Austria is crucial for both Verstappen and Russell, as they bring their ongoing rivalry to a track that has been favorable for Verstappen. Their performance will largely depend on how their cars handle the high track temperatures expected at the Red Bull Ring.
Colapinto’s Final Shot?
Franco Colapinto is nearing the end of his stint with Alpine, where he replaced Jack Doohan. Initially guaranteed a seat until the end of the Austrian Grand Prix, Colapinto has yet to score points but remains determined to secure a future in the sport.
Managing Track Limits
The Austrian Grand Prix has faced challenges with track limits in recent years. However, adjustments made last year, such as adding gravel to certain corners, have improved the situation. Still, drivers must be cautious as they navigate the circuit’s fast corners to avoid penalties.
Returning to a Full Race Weekend
This year, the Austrian Grand Prix won’t feature a sprint race, allowing for a more traditional race weekend. Teams will benefit from three practice hours, which could be advantageous for rookies like Alex Dunne, as McLaren plans to utilize the time effectively.
