
McLaren’s Team Principal Andrea Stella has shed light on the reasons behind Lando Norris’s superior pace compared to his teammate Oscar Piastri. According to Stella, Norris’s natural ability to handle low-grip conditions gives him an edge, particularly in tricky circuits like Interlagos.
Stella explained that Norris has a unique driving style that allows him to excel in conditions where grip is limited. “For Lando in this regime of low grip, it’s just a little more natural to do the things that are normal for him to do and actually produce some lap time,” Stella said. In contrast, Piastri’s driving style is better suited to high-grip conditions, making it more challenging for him to adapt to the current track conditions.
The McLaren boss also highlighted Piastri’s struggles with consistency, citing his recent crashes and mistakes. “Oscar is still learning, and it’s a process,” Stella said. “But we know he can be very fast, and we’re working with him to improve his performance.” Despite Piastri’s setbacks, Stella remains optimistic about his potential and believes he can bounce back stronger.
Norris’s recent performances have been impressive, with him taking pole position in Brazil and extending his lead over Piastri in the championship. His ability to adapt to changing conditions and maintain his pace has been a key factor in his success. Piastri, on the other hand, has been struggling to match Norris’s pace, and his recent crash in the sprint race has put him further behind in the championship.
The battle between Norris and Piastri is heating up, with just a few races left in the season. While Piastri has shown flashes of brilliance, Norris’s consistency and adaptability make him a strong contender for the title. As the season enters its final stretch, all eyes will be on the McLaren duo as they push for the championship.