Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri told to risk McLaren firing for F1 glory

Norris, Piastri, socials — Photo: © IMAGO

Formula 1

Norris and Piastri told to risk McLaren firing for F1 glory

This would be an almighty gamble for one of Piastri or Norris

Originally written by Matthew Hobkinson. This version is a translation.

Thursday 11 September 2025 21:00

Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris have been encouraged to be more selfish in their pursuit of the F1 drivers' title, no matter the cost.

The team's decision to employ their 'papaya rules' this year has been a hot topic as their drivers battle for the championship, with the constructors' fight all-but wrapped up.

That was even more on display in Monza when Piastri was told to give a place back to Norris after the pair swapped positions owing to a slow pit-stop for the Brit.

Article continues under video

Former British racing driver and FIA steward Johnny Herbert has now suggested that the pair might have to ignore team orders if they want to win the drivers' title, even if it costs them a race seat at McLaren.

F1 RESULTS: McLaren thrashed as Max Verstappen dominates at Monza

'I'd rather have a trophy and lose my seat'

"It comes down to the selfishness of the driver and how much you want to have that world championship," Herbert told Adventure Gamers.

"That’s what we race for. We race to win that world championship."

"Then the whole dynamic changes from within the driver," he continued. "Following orders could lose me the world championship. So, do I play the game, or do I play my game, my selfish game?

"Max, I think, would probably play hard and so would Michael Schumacher.

"It can cause very heavy damage in effect. McLaren are trying to make it as fair as they possibly can, but racing is racing. Racing is not always kind.

"When I was racing, there was a team, but we were the drivers. And it was almost handed over to us to do what we could. Sometimes it went right, sometimes it went wrong.

"Team orders now are not the pure racing, and I think that's what Oscar would say."

McLaren Lando Norris Oscar Piastri Formula 1