Steiner Warns McLaren About Over-fairness and Predicts Piastri’s World Title Victory
Guenther Steiner, former F1 team principal, recently shared insights about McLaren’s strategy during an event in Melbourne. In his remarks, he touched on the competitive dynamics between drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, amidst ongoing speculations about team favoritism.
Steiner’s Concerns Over McLaren’s Fairness in Driver Support
Steiner believes McLaren may be overthinking their approach to team dynamics. He emphasized that racing is about winning. “At some point, McLaren must choose to back one driver, particularly Piastri, if they want to secure a championship victory,” he stated.
The Impact of Driver Dynamics
- During the recent Singapore Grand Prix, Norris made contact with Piastri, raising concerns.
- Piastri was vocal over the radio, questioning team decisions during the incident.
- Steiner acknowledged Piastri’s impressive performance and composure throughout the season.
Piastri’s team radio communication reveals his frustration with the situation: “So are we cool with Lando just barging me out of the way or…?” His inquiry highlights the competitive tensions within McLaren.
The Influence of Mark Webber
Steiner credited Piastri’s calm demeanor to the mentorship of Mark Webber. Since 2019, Webber has guided Piastri, providing him with valuable experience. Steiner remarked, “It’s remarkable how well-behaved Piastri is, especially in just his third season.”
Challenges Faced by Other Drivers
Steiner also mentioned Australian driver Jack Doohan, who faced difficulties when dropped by Alpine after just six races. He expressed hope that Doohan would receive another chance in F1, emphasizing that early assessments can be misleading.
As the season progresses, the competitive landscape within McLaren becomes increasingly critical. Stakeholders will be keen to see how McLaren navigates these challenges and ensures both drivers maximize their potential without compromising team harmony.
