The Formula 1 world is in turmoil as McLaren Racing faces its most serious internal crisis in years following a dramatic collision between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri during the United States Grand Prix weekend. What was once a dream championship campaign has now descended into chaos, forcing team principal Zak Brown to initiate a full-scale internal investigation to uncover the root causes of the growing tension between his two star drivers.
đĽ The Incident That Sparked the Crisis
The flashpoint occurred on lap 24 at the Circuit of the Americas, when Piastri and Norris made contact while battling for third place. The collision sent shockwaves through the McLaren garage, as both cars sustained damage and valuable championship points slipped away. This incident was merely the culmination of weeks of escalating tension â tensions that began to brew in Singapore, when Norrisâs aggressive Turn 1 move forced Piastri off-track, sparking accusations of reckless driving and favoritism.
At the time, McLaren downplayed the altercation as âhard but fair racing.â However, insiders now reveal that the relationship between the two drivers has been deteriorating behind closed doors. According to team sources, Piastriâs camp felt increasingly marginalized, believing that McLarenâs race strategy and technical priorities have consistently favored Norris.
đ The Investigation and Internal Fallout
Zak Brown has reportedly ordered a comprehensive review of team operations, focusing on communication breakdowns between the two driversâ engineering crews, the application of team orders, and potential bias in strategic calls. âThis isnât just about one race,â a senior McLaren insider told Motorsport Confidential. âThis is about a pattern â and Zak wants to know how deep it runs.â
As part of the internal review, McLaren is said to have temporarily reshuffled responsibilities among race engineers to ensure neutrality and prevent further escalation. Early findings suggest that Piastri was granted qualifying priority as a disciplinary measure following Singapore, a decision that reportedly infuriated Norris, who has since redoubled his efforts on track â consistently outperforming his teammate despite the tension.
âď¸ A Divided Garage
Morale within McLaren has hit a new low. The once cohesive unit is now split into two camps â the âNorris loyalistsâ and the âPiastri supporters.â Team personnel describe an increasingly toxic atmosphere, with minimal communication between the drivers outside of mandatory briefings. One engineer was quoted saying, âIt feels like 2007 all over again.â
That chilling comparison to McLarenâs infamous Fernando Alonso vs. Lewis Hamilton feud â which tore the team apart and cost them the 2007 championship â looms large in Woking. Zak Brown is determined not to repeat history, but with only five races left in the 2025 season and Max Verstappen closing in fast, McLarenâs title hopes are hanging by a thread.
đ Performance Pressure Mounts
Compounding the drama, Piastriâs recent dip in form has intensified scrutiny. He hasnât stood on the podium in four consecutive races, while Norris continues to deliver consistent performances. With no further upgrades planned for the MCL39, both drivers are now racing under immense pressure to extract every ounce of performance from their current machinery.
Social media has exploded with fan theories and outrage â some accusing McLaren of protecting Piastri due to his long-term contract, others claiming Norris receives preferential treatment as the teamâs public face. The result? A fanbase as divided as the garage itself.
đ What Happens Next?
The internal investigation is expected to conclude before the Mexican Grand Prix, with sources suggesting that Zak Brown may consider team orders or even temporary separation of engineering teams to restore harmony. However, with Verstappen poised to strike and Ferrariâs resurgence in full swing, McLarenâs margin for error has vanished.
As the season enters its final stretch, the question remains:
Can McLaren rebuild unity and keep their championship dream alive â or will internal fractures bring it crashing down, just like 2007?
One thing is certain â the outcome of this crisis will define not just McLarenâs 2025 season, but the future of Norris and Piastriâs partnership for years to come.