Montoya predicts Norris-Piastri partnership will turn ‘ugly’

Seven-time grand prix winner Juan Pablo Montoya has predicted the relationship between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri could become “ugly” this year.

McLaren enter the upcoming season looking to defend its constructors' championship from last year.

However, both Norris and Piastri have set their sights on the drivers' title and halting the ongoing streak being enjoyed by Max Verstappen.

McLaren is being tipped as a favourite at the front of the field this year after its strong campaign last season.

But Montoya has warned McLaren if it has too much of an advantage over the competition, it could run into issues managing its drivers.

“Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris are both in a good place with each other and I think they're being fair enough to each other,” Montoya told onlinecassino.com.br.

“I think it could get ugly at the end of the year if they have a big advantage in points and they let them race for the championship. 

“Otherwise, I think they'd be pretty even. McLaren has probably done the best job of keeping both drivers happy.”

Montoya predicts early McLaren team orders

After McLaren backed Norris' title charge in the final stages of the 2024 calendar, both drivers are starting on equal footing ahead of the opening round of the year.

However Montoya, who won three races with the Woking-based outfit, does not think it will be long before the team starts to intervene.

“Initially they're going to be pretty relaxed about it,” he said.

“I think McLaren are going to be very clear that whoever's ahead they're going to have to be a little more respectful. 

“They want to be fair for both drivers, but I think they understand that they cannot throw points away from them racing each other.”