McLaren have now identified ‘special’ replacement if Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri leave

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McLaren were in a unique position in this year’s Formula 1 driver market. They were the only team who entered the season with both drivers under contract.

Lando Norris signed a new long-term contract over the winter, ostensibly committing until the end of 2028. Oscar Piastri’s McLaren contract, meanwhile, runs until the end of 2026 after an extension last autumn.

Elsewhere, Red Bull had (and still have) a decision to make over Sergio Perez, while Mercedes had to find a replacement for Lewis Hamilton after his seismic move to Ferrari. McLaren have the benefit of stability, which may help them heading into 2025.

The Woking outfit believe they have the best driver line-up on the F1 grid, and even Red Bull’s Helmut Marko agrees. So far, there have been very few public signs of any tension.

However, Zak Brown expects Norris and Piastri to ‘tangle’ eventually. They seem to have a good relationship, but that will be tested now that they have a contending car.

Norris has had the edge this season but Piastri looks to be getting closer as he becomes more experienced. And there’s a growing possibility they go head-to-head for the title next year.

McLaren could hire Gabriel Bortoleto after two-year Audi loan

According to Grande Premio, McLaren have drawn up a contingency plan in case they lose either Norris or Piastri. The latter would appear more likely to leave given his shorter contract, but the former’s deal may feature unknown exit clauses.

McLaren’s ‘two number ones’ approach has compromised Norris’ title bid this season. In Hungary, they demanded that he return the lead to his teammate after a defensive undercut put him in front.

And then, in Monza, Andrea Stella allowed the two drivers, who had locked out the front row, to race rather than focusing on cutting Max Verstappen’s lead. Piastri’s aggressive first-lap pass arguably played into the Dutchman’s hands.

Some are beginning to ask questions about the sustainability of this dynamic. If it can’t last long-term and one driver seeks a way out, then development driver Gabriel Bortoleto is seen as the ideal successor.

To prepare and assess Bortoleto, McLaren have given him the ‘green light’ to spend two years on loan at Sauber/Audi. They don’t want to release him permanently.

Who is ‘special’ McLaren junior Gabriel Bortoleto?

Bortoleto, the 19-year-old Brazilian, won the Formula 3 title last year and is a strong contender for the F2 crown. With just three rounds to go – starting in Baku this weekend – he’s only 10.5 points behind Red Bull talent Isack Hadjar in second place.

Bortoleto is managed by Fernando Alonso, who may oversee negotiations with Sauber. He could become the fourth rookie on the 2025 grid after Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes), Oliver Bearman (Haas) and Jack Doohan (Alpine).

Davide Valsecchi has called Bortoleto ‘special’, and his recent exploits in the junior categories back that up. He’s done enough to merit a shot in F1, so McLaren should be praised for finding an alternative route.