Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris have been sent a warning about McLaren (Image: Getty)
and have been warned they could ‘destroy’ McLaren if their rivalry turns fierce in 2025. Both drivers enjoyed excellent seasons this year, but prioritised Norris once the Brit closed in on ’s Drivers’ Championship lead.
Both starting next year on an even playing field, there is the possibility that Norris and Piastri could end up fighting for race wins. Former Formula One mechanic Marc Priestley has warned that it could have stark consequences for the entire team – just like it did when Fernando Alonso and were at war.
“I have never seen a team successfully manage a rivalry like that, and it can split the team down the middle like it did when I worked with Alonso and Hamilton,” Priestley told Casino Uden Rofus.
“It can destroy the team as a whole. It can happen in 2025. It may be an impossible scenario for to handle in a nice and polite way.”
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Priestley believes there is ‘untapped’ potential in Norris and Piastri, who still have plenty of room for development. However, he predicts that the duo will no longer be able to maintain their friendship if they end up battling for the world title.
” and Oscar Piastri are two excellent drivers and still have lots of potential ahead of them,” Priestley continued.
“There’s still a huge untapped potential between the two, neither of them had ever won a grand prix before this season, the potential is massive. They’re both in a really good position.
Lando Norris came closest to dethroning Max Verstappen this season (Image: Getty)
“However, if they’re both competing for the championship next season with the only person standing in each others’ way being themselves, there is no way Norris and Piastri remain friends. I’ve never seen it happen and I don’t think it can happen.
“Since the age of seven or eight, these drivers have been dreaming of being an F1 champion, and their only competition is the guy wearing the same outfit in the same garage, they become your enemy. That’s the reality of the sport.
“I was at where this rare situation happens and things get nasty, elbows get out on the race track. We saw it with Nico Rosberg and , Fernando Alonso and Hamilton, Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost.”