Guenther Steiner's Bold Prediction

As the Formula 1 season approaches its climax, tensions within the McLaren team are palpable. Guenther Steiner, the former Haas F1 principal, has made a striking prediction about the potential for another crash between McLaren teammates Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. With only six race weekends remaining in the intense 2025 season, Steiner warns that the competition for the drivers' championship has become increasingly heated, making the risk of collision between the two drivers a real concern.

Current Standings and Championship Pressure

With the constructors' title in hand for McLaren, all eyes are now on the battle between Norris and Piastri. Currently, the two drivers are separated by a narrow 22 points, with Piastri holding the lead. Complicating matters further is the looming threat posed by four-time world champion Max Verstappen, who trails Norris by 41 points and sits 63 points behind Piastri. As the stakes grow higher, both McLaren drivers are left to sort out their respective ambitions on the track without strict team orders, leading to exciting yet perilous racing dynamics.

A Call for Team Support

Steiner's insights come at a crucial time. He has urged McLaren's management to rally behind Oscar Piastri, emphasizing that now is the moment to prioritize the points leader in the hopes of securing the drivers' championship. In his appearance on The Red Flags Podcast, Steiner remarked, "Now you need to support it. We need to win the championship. Last year, they didn’t win it, but this year...if they don’t step in, another crash will be likely." His stark warning conveys the importance of strategic support to navigate the drivers' fierce contest.

Free Racing vs. Team Orders

The philosophy at McLaren has been to allow both drivers to race freely; however, Steiner questions if that's sustainable given the competitive landscape. With past instances of on-track incidents, Steiner suggests that the team will need to enforce clearer rules to prevent further clashes between Norris and Piastri—otherwise, the team risks losing the chance at capturing the drivers' title.

What’s Next for McLaren?

As the championship battle heats up, McLaren's tactical decisions hold significant weight. With the potential for clashes and slam-bang racing behind them, McLaren's management must decide whether to intervene in drivers' tactics or allow the competition to play out. For fans, this adds a thrilling narrative to the remaining races—and the possibility of unforeseen drama. Whether they take Steiner's advice to support Piastri remains to be seen.

The showdown is on with the stage set for both drivers to fight for their championship hopes. The 2025 season promises to be unpredictable, and every race has the potential to shake up the standings in ways that could lead to unprecedented outcomes.