This forum contains threads to discuss teams themselves. Anything not technical about the cars, including restructuring, performances etc belongs here.
Zak and Lando both said it was hard but fair. The complete quotes from Lando are also there, saying that he may have been too cautious himself.
Stella saying they may review the Papaya rules in light of the WDC, which is not the same as institutions a number 1 driver, but toning down aggression.
Oscar needs 13points a race on Max, it's pointless giving him any priority when in a close battle with Lando. Lando needs 7.75 and that's hard but potentially manageable.
I do think the move today, brought things to a head.
My query is, either Oscar didn't think about the potential consequences to the team or he didn't care. Both, aren't great looks, and likely wouldn't go down well in house.
Oscar needs 13points a race on Max, it's pointless giving him any priority when in a close battle with Lando. Lando needs 7.75 and that's hard but potentially manageable.
I do think the move today, brought things to a head.
My query is, either Oscar didn't think about the potential consequences to the team or he didn't care. Both, aren't great looks, and likely wouldn't go down well in house.
dont usually agree with Buxton but some of his points i agree with here
Completely agree with Buxton here, a rare occurence. McLaren have done everything in their power since Hungary to piss away Norris' chance at the WDC. I'm afraid that by the time McLaren finally dares to admit to themselves that Lando has a shot at the championship it'll be too late. but at this rate McLaren doesn't even deserve the WDC.
Oscar needs 13points a race on Max, it's pointless giving him any priority when in a close battle with Lando. Lando needs 7.75 and that's hard but potentially manageable.
I do think the move today, brought things to a head.
My query is, either Oscar didn't think about the potential consequences to the team or he didn't care. Both, aren't great looks, and likely wouldn't go down well in house.
No one suggested giving Oscar priority.
But he shoukd have been told don't overtake if behind on first lap. Just common sense.
Overall, Norris's race pace is better than Oscar. If he had run alone in the first place he would have easily win this race. Front-left tyre deg wouldn't have been a problem. Norris had to run in a dirty air which is far not optimal. Don't we have a rule whoever turn first in the first turn he has the right to win the place in normal situation?
I can understand Piastri going for the overtake. I still think it was too risky and cost us a 1-2. I hope they learn from it.
I can't understand pitting Piastri second time when in lead. Listening to Piastri talk after the race it sounds like he expected that the threat is Norris (already on two stop) and he protected against him, thinking Ferrari can't make it. If you look at it that way, Piastris decision makes sense even though it was a bad call for the McLaren as a group to make.
They need to start working as a group.
Btw not sure when was I as mad when McLaren finished 2-3.
Inverting the positions with Oscar at Hungary and Monza would have been a 9 point gain on Max for Lando - AND the team would have took home the same points.
303 vs 250 points gives it a 53 point gap with 8 races remaining + sprint races.
6.6 average per race in that circumstance vs 7.75 points average as it stands (excluding points for sprint races)
I’m starting think Piastri is being foolish here: if you want to win a world championship, you need your teammate on your side and willing to sacrifice races for you to win. Piastri can’t win the championship this year, so there’s nothing to be gained long-term for him to demand equal treatment from the team. The smart thing would be for him to go to the team and say “hey, I’m out of this fight, let’s back Lando and do everything we can to make him champion.” It would set an important precedent in the team that Piastri will himself need and want(!) when he’s fighting for a championship himself. I understand not wanting to set the precedent that he’s second fiddle to Lando, but no one is thinking that. Piastri has been at times more convincing than Lando, and everyone expects him to be a challenging Norris again next year. But this is just very short sighted from everyone involved.
I’m starting think Piastri is being foolish here: if you want to win a world championship, you need your teammate on your side and willing to sacrifice races for you to win. Piastri can’t win the championship this year, so there’s nothing to be gained long-term for him to demand equal treatment from the team. The smart thing would be for him to go to the team and say “hey, I’m out of this fight, let’s back Lando and do everything we can to make him champion.” It would set an important precedent in the team that Piastri will himself need and want(!) when he’s fighting for a championship himself. I understand not wanting to set the precedent that he’s second fiddle to Lando, but no one is thinking that. Piastri has been at times more convincing than Lando, and everyone expects him to be a challenging Norris again next year. But this is just very short sighted from everyone involved.
He doesn't want to be teammates with a world champion. I think he's just thinking about himself.
There is a chance this could be it for Mclaren, and squabbling will risk it.
At what point would you guys start to think a Norris WDC charge stops being a pipe dream?
For me it's probably if Red Bull are 3rd or 4th fastest in both Baku and Singapore, meaning Norris manages to reel him in by at least 25-30 points between those 2 weekends. If not I feel like Max will have enough of a points buffer to make it, becuase I highly doubt Norris will be able to keep shaving off an average of 8 points per weekend otherwise.
At what point would you guys start to think a Norris WDC charge stops being a pipe dream?
For me it's probably if Red Bull are 3rd or 4th fastest in both Baku and Singapore, meaning Norris manages to reel him in by at least 25-30 points between those 2 weekends. If not I feel like Max will have enough of a points buffer to make it, becuase I highly doubt Norris will be able to keep shaving off an average of 8 points per weekend otherwise.
Does anyone consider it likely already?
I considered it likely months ago (may) but kinda gave up on spreading the word here... wasnt taken seriously:
funny to see just how quickly everyone has got used to actually being right up there with Red Bull, and if anything, faster - that Mclaren made them really uncomfortable. Are you lot sure you are taking a moment to just enjoy what is happening? It is remarkable
I am waiting for the race tomorrow, but honestly this is absolutely crazy what this team has gone through in the last year or so.
...
... I can see a WCC this year happening. Norris + Piastri is a very good match because they're close but not too close.
too late for WCC this year I think. But we have a good shot at jumping Ferrari for P2. At least RBR wont win WCC in Singapore or Qatar or something.
The team should prioritize starting the season strong in 2025. We cant afford to sacrifice the initial flyaway races like this if we are to be in contention for WCC
For sure a better start of the season would help, but there are still 17 races to go!
In any case since the only thing we can get is 2nd place in the constructors is a big opportunity to see if Lando Norris can be championship material and see if he can do a back to back showing that Miami was not a fluke.
I personally have zero doubt about that. Norris is the up there with the best right now.
Im not a Mclaren fan or (any other team/driver), but I fancy their odds this year. Good luck fellas.