Ralf Schumacher shares what ‘reliable source’ has told him about Zak Brown’s preferences at McLaren

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The equal driver conundrum at McLaren has been a topic of contention throughout Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri’s title fight this season, and Ralf Schumacher has revealed what a ‘reliable source’ has told him regarding Zak Brown’s preference at the championship leaders.

With Norris and Piastri serving as the two championship protagonists for the entirety of the current campaign, a notable topic that has been prevalent throughout the season-long narrative has been about whether the Woking-based outfit is favouring either of the frontrunning drivers.

Many figures within the paddock believe McLaren are favouring Norris, but without any concrete evidence on the matter, it’s impossible to actually nail down as a working theory.

The British driver has been in finer form than his Australian counterpart in recent races. Norris is now leading the F1 standings by a single point, whilst Piastri’s championship has seemingly unravelled at recent race weekends where podiums are proving difficult to secure.

READ MORE: Jolyon Palmer concerned for Oscar Piastri after seeing Lance Stroll outperform him in vital area

Ralf Schumacher shares what his ‘reliable source’ has said regarding Zak Brown’s driver preferences at McLaren

F1 ‘Supremo’ Bernie Ecclestone thinks a Norris title would be better for McLaren due to his reasoning that the 25-year-old has more ‘star quality’ about him than his often stone-faced counterpart.

In turn, the 95-year-old believes the 2025 constructors’ champions are favouring the Brit. However, speaking on an episode of the Backstage Boxengasse podcast, former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher has revealed what a ‘reliable source’ has told him on the matter.

Speaking to co-host Peter Hardenacke, the German said, “So this nonsense, Zak Brown prefers Norris. I can only say one thing, and I know this from a reliable source.

“Zak Brown prefers no one but his fastest driver. He doesn’t care at all. The main thing is that he becomes world champion with the team and has a world champion in the team.

“And whatever his name is, he’s a businessman. As nice as he is, he’s tough as nails. He doesn’t care which of the two it is.”

If either Norris or Piastri is successful in withstanding the pressure of Max Verstappen circling behind them in third place, they will become the first McLaren driver to win a title since Lewis Hamilton’s maiden championship in 2008.

READ MORE: Ralf Schumacher urges Oscar Piastri to stop worrying about McLaren ‘rumours’ amid title battle

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are in a ‘nightmare’ situation at McLaren, says former driver Mika Hakkinen

Mika Hakkinen is among the many drivers who have tasted glory from within the ranks at the British constructor and had to battle against David Coulthard on his way to consecutive championships at the end of the previous millennium.

Coulthard revealed that he couldn’t stand Hakkinen whilst they were teammates at the Woking-based outfit. His desire to beat the Flying Finn caused sparks to fly, and he was unable to follow through with his dream.

Hakkinen believes Norris and Piastri are heading the same way and has stated that he hopes the two drivers are able to find a way in which the season ends on a high note.

There’s plenty for the McLaren drivers to be proud of, mainly the fact that they emerged as the leading team on the grid this season and successfully defended their 2024 constructors’ championship feat this year.

However, it is understandable in such a high-pressure and adrenaline-soaked sport that tensions can reach a boiling point. Either way the championship swings, there’s no doubt that one of the duo will be left with a bitter taste in their mouth.