McLaren ‘insiders’ share how Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are now working together during meetings

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In less than two weeks, there is a strong chance that Formula 1 will have crowned a new champion for the first time in four years.

McLaren are aiming to secure their first drivers’ championship since the 2008 season, and second since 1999.

Despite holding the lead of the title race for the majority of the campaign, Oscar Piastri is now an outsider, behind both Lando Norris and Max Verstappen.

The loser won’t have much time to reset before the 2026 F1 regulations, with the new cars now less than two months from hitting the track for the first time.

Brundle has told McLaren to make Piastri their number two, or risk giving the imperious Verstappen a shot at a fifth consecutive crown.

After watching his onboard, Jenson Button thinks Piastri’s ‘smooth’ driving style has hurt him and lowered his chances of taking home a trophy.

READ MORE: Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri’s Las Vegas GP disqualifications ‘confirmed’ worrying McLaren problem

McLaren ‘insiders’ reveal how Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are working on papaya rules in meetings

McLaren are ‘compromised’ for the Qatar Grand Prix, and will have to be more conservative with their car setup as a result of a double disqualification at the last race in Las Vegas.

On the positive side, Piastri found a new confidence and will be hoping to display even more speed in Qatar. If he doesn’t, he could be eliminated from championship contention before the final round.

McLaren’s papaya rules won’t change, according to what team boss Andrea Stella has told Guenther Steiner.

BBC Sport now reports that ‘insiders’ suggest that both Norris and Piastri work together to help perfect the rules of engagement for their battles on track.

In other words, they’re working together well and are having open conversations about how they can improve their fights.

READ MORE: McLaren’s Las Vegas Grand Prix disqualification is actually good for Oscar Piastri’s title chances

What happens at McLaren if Max Verstappen beats them to the title?

Last year, McLaren won a title and put up a late fight for the drivers’, but fell short. It has been a totally different tale in 2025.

In fact, they’ve had by far the best car and situation on the grid. Failing to finish first in both championships would be a failure on their part.

At times this season, Verstappen has been stuck fighting in the midfield. McLaren’s drivers haven’t really had to face that fate. Not even once.

The pecking order could be completely different in 2026, and that makes this opportunity so critical for them to take right now. They simply cannot let this slip through their hands.