McLaren make surprise revelation over Oscar Piastri-Lando Norris relationship

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has stated the relationship between Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris has only improved amid their title fight.

There has been little to separate the duo in the 14 rounds staged so far this year, with Piastri holding a narrow 9-point lead in the drivers' championship.

Both competitors are gunning for their first F1 titles, but the battle so far has lacked the typical intensity that has often come in the past win an intra-team championship fight.

A collision between the pair at the Canadian Grand Prix was quickly dismissed after Norris admitted fault, and it remains the only time the pair have come to blows.

As they seek to realise their childhood dream of winning a title, Stella asserted it has done little to disrupt the strength of their partnership.

“If anything, the relationship between Oscar and Lando keeps improving,” Stella told media including RacingNews365.

“This is not the effect of a random evolution. This is because we invest in relationships.

“When I refer to fundamentals of F1, relationships are probably slightly less tangible, but I think they are as fundamental as aerodynamics.

“This involves the relationship between drivers and the team and between the drivers themselves.”

The 2024 Hungarian Grand Prix marked Piastri's first win, which saw Norris cede position to his team-mate after a lengthy team order discussion.

Stella highlighted the race as an example of how McLaren has used its in-race obstacles to strengthen itself going forward.

“If I take the race we had last year in Hungary, we spent quite a lot of time reviewing that individually with the drivers and together,” he said.

“We tried to learn from each other as much as possible. We reminded ourselves that Formula 1 is difficult, and we are always going to face some difficulties.

“This is an awareness we need to have. From there, what can we do to improve? What can we do as a team to make sure we have a framework that allows Lando and Oscar to pursue their aspirations, always protecting the interests of the team?

“Once again, I'm a lucky team principal because the two drivers are very reasonable, very fair, very correct, humble, and above all, they understand that we are here not only to pursue our interest in the present but also to protect the future of their own careers and of McLaren Racing.