McLaren keeps free racing despite the championship gap

McLaren allowed Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to race each other to the final lap at Monza, where Norris eventually took fourth ahead of his team-mate.

Andrea Stella explained that both drivers were on identical tyres of the same age. Norris therefore had to pass Piastri first before being given the chance to chase Max Verstappen. McLaren did not neutralise the fight despite the potential time loss behind the Red Bull.

The choice confirms an internal philosophy and a championship that McLaren still sees as open. Norris has 171 points, 96 fewer than Kimi Antonelli. Piastri is further back on 116. McLaren is still prioritising sporting equality between its two drivers rather than immediately concentrating all resources on Norris.

Monza also exposed a limitation of the MCL40. Even with Mercedes power, the car suffered from drag and energy management once it lost the benefit of a tow.

Stella does not see Madrid and Baku as naturally ideal for the current car either. Updates are planned for Baku, while the longer corners of Malaysia, Austin and Brazil look more favourable on paper.

The danger is now mathematical: if Antonelli keeps scoring at his current rate, the circuits expected to suit McLaren better may arrive too late to turn Norris into a genuine title contender.