McLaren power struggle, flexing wings, Max’s tomorrow: reading the early F1 tea leaves Premium

Formula One's summer schedule in Miami kicks off a crucial period that could shape the championship's future.

As Formula One prepares for its hectic summer schedule, starting this weekend in Miami, the next few months could determine the championship’s direction and also have far-reaching consequences beyond this season. The Hindu examines a few potential subplots that could unfold over the remaining 19 races.

During pre-season testing, it was evident McLaren had the best car, continuing from where it left off last year when it clinched the constructors’ title. So the expectations naturally were that Lando Norris, who gave reigning champion Max Verstappen a slight scare in 2024, would be the favourite, having been battle-hardened.

However, five rounds in, the Briton has been overshadowed by teammate Oscar Piastri, who is leading the drivers’ standings by 10 points.

The Australian has claimed victory in three out of the five events, demonstrating that he has taken another leap in his overall game. In his sophomore campaign, he addressed his tyre management weakness, but struggled in qualifying. Now, the 24-year-old appears to have improved his single-lap pace as well, given his two pole positions so far.

Norris has had a poor start to the season despite impressing in the opener in Australia, where he won from pole in a tricky race under mixed conditions. The 25-year-old is unhappy with the handling of the McLaren and struggled in China and Bahrain, where Piastri led from lights to flag. He has also been error-prone, as evidenced by his crash in qualifying for the Saudi Arabian GP, which left him starting 10th. Even in wheel-to-wheel combat, Norris has looked tardy.

All of this raises a significant question: is Norris ready for battle, especially at a time when his colleague is operating at a high level? Piastri showed great mental fortitude by quickly getting over his mistake in Melbourne where he lost second place after running wide when rain hit the track. Since finishing ninth in his home race, the Melburnian has won three of four Grands Prix.

Last year, Norris squandered pole positions through poor starts and was often second-best in duels with Verstappen, which prompted many to question his mental toughness. His performances so far have reinforced that perception. How he responds could be crucial to his career.