Now that McLaren have secured their 2025 Constructors’ Championship, the spotlight is shifting more intensely to their drivers’ title duel. But after a high-tension clash between Norris and Piastri in Singapore, pundits are questioning whether McLaren’s hands-off approach — letting their two drivers race “gloves off” — is wise or reckless.
Brundle: Let Them “Duke It Out”
Veteran commentator Martin Brundle has been among the loudest voices urging McLaren to loosen the reins. After the first-lap collision in Singapore, Brundle argued that the internal dynamics between Norris and Piastri have already changed irreversibly. He believes the team should allow them full freedom, with minimal interference. “Let their two drivers duke it out, gloves off, between themselves with zero interference,” he wrote.
Brundle acknowledges the risks — collisions, intra-team tension, possible penalties — but suggests McLaren’s controlling influence may be doing more harm than good at this point. He reasons that with the Constructors’ title secured, the only real risk now is stifling the drivers’ competitive natures.
Moreover, Brundle believes McLaren must “relinquish some control” to prevent resentment. He warns that further meddling might break trust irreparably.
Coulthard: “Fair Has to Be Fair”
On the other side, David Coulthard has defended Oscar Piastri’s frustration, calling his radio appeal “compelling.” Coulthard says Piastri was right to question whether the team is keeping the competition clean between teammates: “fair has to be fair.”
Coulthard recalls his own time at McLaren, when he was asked to yield to Mika Häkkinen — a favor not always returned. That history gives him sensitivity toward perceived inequality in a team. He argues that if a driver feels unfairly treated, it chips away at loyalty and mental comfort.
He supports the idea that more internal transparency is needed. If McLaren decide to let their drivers battle, the rules and expectations must be crystal clear. Any perception of favoritism or hidden control would only inflame already stressed relationships.
What They Are Warning McLaren About
1. Trust & Morale Are Easily Fractured
Brundle and Coulthard both hint that unless McLaren manage this shift carefully, they risk fracturing the driver-team bond. Letting drivers race unchecked is one thing; being inconsistent about rules or interventions is another.
2. Collisions May Be Inevitable
The risk of more on-track clashes rises. Brundle acknowledges “nuclear fallout” is possible, but suggests the drivers’ respect for one another, the team, and potential penalties may keep things in check.
3. Perceptions of Favoritism Could Poison the Fight
Coulthard warns that even perceived bias — whether in pit strategy, radio decisions, or position orders — could alienate either driver. He notes: “No further words needed” after Piastri’s pointed radio complaint.
4. The Team Must Be Ready to Step In – Or Decide Not To
Brundle advises that McLaren should set strict boundaries: interference only if safety or rules demand it. Beyond that, the drivers should settle it on track. But that requires clarity upfront.
McLaren’s Public Messaging & Piastri’s Stance
McLaren’s team leadership have publicly endorsed open communication. Team boss Andrea Stella said after Singapore that they ask drivers to make their positions clear, and that Oscar did exactly that. He framed Piastri’s radio messages as part of healthy internal discussion.
Piastri himself insists he has no doubts about McLaren’s desire for fairness. He has said that in the heat of racing, emotions run high, but he trusts that the team will review incidents and act rationally. “In the moment … tensions are high … we’re encouraged to share our views … I did that.”
Still, the contrast between Piastri’s calm professionalism in interviews and his sharp radio tone during the incident underscores the emotional pressure this title fight is bringing.
The Fine Line: Freedom vs Fragmentation
Pundits agree: letting Norris and Piastri fight freely can unleash raw competition, but it’s a delicate act. Without guardrails, things can spiral. A collision or a perception of favoritism could crack team unity.
However, one thing is clear: the traditional “safe management” approach may no longer be sustainable. The drivers themselves want clarity and freedom. Brundle argues McLaren should evolve their approach now — before resentment sets in too deep.
Coulthard’s view complements that: fairness must remain more than a slogan. It must be demonstrable in decisions, not just PR.
Final Thoughts
The pundits are united in belief that McLaren’s gamble must shift. The Constructors’ title no longer gives them cover to micromanage. Brundle’s “gloves off” plea and Coulthard’s defense of Piastri’s radio outcry both push McLaren to trust their drivers — but also not to blind themselves to risk.
If McLaren can allow Norris and Piastri to battle fairly, openly, and transparently, their title fight could be one of the great intra-team rivalries in F1. If they mishandle it, they risk undermining what has been a remarkable season. Either way, the dynamics in the garage have changed forever — and how they navigate this transition will be as defining as any lap time.
