Imagine this: a Formula 1 season on the edge, with just four races left and a single point separating teammates Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. But here's where it gets controversial – former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone believes Piastri is feeling the strain, not just from the championship battle, but from growing tensions within the McLaren team. Could favoritism be at play? Ecclestone thinks so, suggesting that the 24-year-old Australian is 'upset and tired' of the internal dynamics, with discussions about team preferences wearing on his nerves.
Ecclestone, never one to shy away from bold statements, told sport.de that the pressure on Piastri is mounting. 'He’s frustrated that winning races isn’t as easy as it once was,' Ecclestone noted, adding that Norris appears to be the team’s favored driver. And this is the part most people miss – despite Piastri’s early-season dominance, where he looked 'clearly faster,' Ecclestone claims McLaren has employed tactics to slow him down, though he didn’t provide specifics.
Earlier this year, Ecclestone had tipped Piastri for the championship, but now he’s not so sure. 'Something’s holding him back,' he admitted. 'I don’t know if it’s McLaren or what, but there’s a problem inside the team. It looks like they’re favoring the British driver.' Ecclestone even hinted that Norris’s stronger public profile and star power might be influencing the team’s preferences. 'He has more camera presence, more marketing appeal,' Ecclestone explained. 'That’s probably better for McLaren.'
But is this favoritism real, or just a perception? Ecclestone’s comments are sure to spark debate. Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: If a team’s success depends on both drivers, is it fair to prioritize one over the other based on marketability? Or should performance on the track be the only factor?
Despite McLaren’s recent success, Ecclestone isn’t betting on either driver to take the title. Instead, he’s putting his money on Max Verstappen. 'He’s special, the best racer out there,' Ecclestone declared. 'The next race is in Brazil, where the weather is unpredictable. Verstappen will thrive there.'
So, as the season heads to its thrilling conclusion, we’re left with more questions than answers. Is Piastri truly being held back, or is he simply facing a stronger teammate? And can anyone stop Verstappen from claiming another title? Let us know what you think in the comments – this is one debate you won’t want to miss!
