Mika Hakkinen has contradicted Helmut Marko's claim that Oscar Piastri could be Lando Norris's equal at McLaren this season. The MCL39 machine has a significant advantage over the rest of the F1 field, judging by the pace shown during testing and at the season-opening double-header in Australia and China. At Melbourne's Albert Park, Norris and Piastri were running one-two until both were caught out on lap 44 of 57 by a rain shower, with the home hero sliding off into the grass as a result, allowing Norris to go on to win. Piastri eventually came home to finish ninth following a last-lap overtake on Lewis Hamilton. At the Shanghai International Circuit, Piastri bounced back in style, finishing second in the sprint behind Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton before delivering a consummate drive in the grand prix to claim his third victory in F1, leading home Norris for McLaren's 50th one-two in its history. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has previously stated the two McLaren drivers could aid Max Verstappen's challenge for a fifth consecutive title charge by taking points away from one another. Hakkinen, who won his two titles with McLaren, believes Norris will be number one at Woking. "I see it differently," he told Bild. "They will push each other to peak performance, and that is good for them as drivers and the team in the constructors' championship. "It is far too early [for team orders] but I'd put my money on Lando. "McLaren has gradually developed to the top in recent years, and after being the worst team at the start of 2023, they are now the benchmark. "The last time I was at the factory, you could feel that special atmosphere again, the team can sense a very special opportunity is being presented to them, and they know that both world titles are possible this season."
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