McLaren is starting the 2025 season with a front-row lockout of the Australian Grand Prix, with both drivers eyeing victory and the early championship lead.
McLaren’s hierarchy was in focus last season when Australia’s Oscar Piastri was asked to play second fiddle to Britain’s Lando Norris, who was trying to chase down Max Verstappen for the world championship.
Verstappen held on to claim a fourth title in a row, and McLaren, in the off-season, has stated that both Norris and Piastri are free to battle on track.
Norris pipped hometown favourite Piastri by 0.084 seconds in qualifying on Saturday, setting up an enticing grand prix.
During Saturday’s post-qualifying press conference, Norris said McLaren had spoken about ensuring both drivers race hard but fair, with an indication the team believes the drivers will be at the front of the grid all year.
“We’re prepared because we know we’re going to have more of this kind of thing over the season,” Norris said.
“There are clearly rules we cannot cross. Both cars must always stay in the race, but we’re both competitors. That’s clear.
“We both want to fight for a win and victories.”
While Piastri was asked to support Norris in 2024, there were times when the Brit was the driver making way for his partner.
Norris famously allowed Piastri to pass in the Hungarian Grand Prix, after McLaren’s pit strategy took the Australian from the lead to behind his teammate.
Norris also moved aside to allow Piastri to win the sprint race late in the season, a nod to the efforts the Australian had done for him in his unsuccessful title bid.
“I think in any team, not just McLaren, the number one rule is no contact,” Piastri said on Saturday.
“We must give each other space. If there are opportunities for either of us to take advantage of situations, we will.
“But ultimately, we are racing for the team.”
McLaren’s teamwork guided it to the constructors’ championship last season, the first time the famed British team had claimed that crown since 1998.
McLaren appeared to be quickest in pre-season testing, and its front-row lockout for the Australian Grand Prix will further cement it as the early favourites in 2025.
