McLaren holds a firm grip on their team's performance?
In the final stretch of the Formula 1 season, each of the last ten races serves as a mini playoff for the championship contenders. Leading the charge is Oscar Piastri, who has already claimed titles in Formula Renault (2019), Formula 3 (2020), and Formula 2 (2021).
Piastri's main rival in the upcoming races appears to be his teammate at McLaren, Lando Norris. The duo has dominated the season so far, with McLaren drivers securing eleven wins out of the fourteen races in the first half.
The Hungarian Grand Prix saw a strategic difference between the two drivers, with Norris opting for a one-stop strategy that propelled him to victory, while Piastri chose a two-stop strategy.
The race in Zandvoort could have been a nerve-wracking affair for Piastri, given his strong performances this year compared to last. However, he remained confident, expecting the competition to have closed the gap.
The incident that saw Piastri fall behind Norris after their second tire changes was a topic of discussion. Critics perceived it as a departure from McLaren's fair play policy, but Piastri considered the strategy change an acceptable solution.
Piastri believes that the driver at the end of a group may have strategically better cards. He stated that it would be wrong to give both drivers the same tactic in every racing situation.
The team has addressed these concerns, ensuring that the drivers understand the team's strategy and the implications of their decisions. Piastri is satisfied with the season so far, stating that they have done many things right and learned from the rest.
As the season approaches its climax, every point lost could be crucial in the showdown in Abu Dhabi. Piastri and Norris will need to navigate the remaining races carefully, ensuring they maintain their strong form and capitalise on any opportunities that come their way.
The Formula 1 season finale has received a green light, promising an exciting conclusion to what has been a thrilling season so far. With Piastri and Norris in the best car and usually deciding the first two places, the final races are set to be a battle royale.