In a bold and potentially divisive statement, Bernie Ecclestone, the former Formula 1 chief, has ignited a fiery debate by claiming that McLaren is blatantly favoring Lando Norris over his teammate Oscar Piastri. But here's where it gets controversial: Ecclestone insists that this favoritism has intensified in the latter half of the 2025 season, allegedly hindering Piastri's performance. And this is the part most people miss: Ecclestone suggests that McLaren’s decision is driven by Norris’s marketability and star power, rather than purely on-track performance.
Speaking to RTL, the 95-year-old Ecclestone didn’t hold back. He pointed out that Piastri started the season as the faster driver but has since been ‘slowed down’ through various team strategies. ‘McLaren clearly prefers Norris,’ Ecclestone stated. ‘He’s got more charisma, more camera presence, and that’s what the team values.’ Ecclestone also took aim at McLaren’s ‘Papaya Rules,’ arguing they disproportionately disadvantage Piastri. ‘You can see the frustration on Piastri’s face,’ he added. ‘The pressure is mounting, and he’s struggling to keep up with Norris, who’s getting all the support.’
Despite this, Ecclestone predicts Max Verstappen will clinch the title, praising his ‘extraordinary quality’ and adaptability, especially with the unpredictable weather in Brazil looming. ‘Verstappen is in a league of his own,’ he said. ‘The McLaren drivers are excellent, and their car is fantastic, but Verstappen is a true racer, not just a politician.’
However, not everyone agrees with Ecclestone’s claims. Here’s the counterpoint that sparks debate: Former driver Ralf Schumacher dismissed the favoritism allegations as ‘nonsense.’ He argued that Piastri’s dip in performance is due to human error and McLaren’s waning dominance, not team bias. ‘Why would McLaren undermine Piastri?’ Schumacher asked. ‘Their ideal scenario is having both drivers at the top. Zak Brown is too professional to let that happen.’ Schumacher even suggested that Piastri’s struggles might stem from his management, particularly Mark Webber’s past grievances with Red Bull.
Franz Tost, former Alpha Tauri boss, echoed support for Piastri, reminding critics that the driver still lacks Norris’s experience. ‘Writing Piastri off would be a mistake,’ Tost said. ‘He’s mentally tougher than Norris and only one point behind in the standings.’
Yet, Jacques Villeneuve offers a different perspective. He believes Piastri has already reached his peak. ‘At the start of the season, we thought Piastri had improved, but maybe it was Norris who was just out of form,’ Villeneuve said. ‘Now, Norris is driving better than ever, while Piastri hasn’t progressed. He’s hit his limit.’ Villeneuve argues that the pressure to perform has exposed Piastri’s weaknesses, leading to self-doubt and mistakes.
Here’s the thought-provoking question: Is McLaren’s alleged favoritism a strategic business move, or are they undermining a potentially great driver? And does Piastri’s management play a bigger role in his struggles than we realize? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over!
