McLaren has no reason to meddle in the championship tussle between its drivers for now, according to Mathias Lauda, son of F1 icon Niki Lauda.
Lauda shared his perspective on Servus TV, analysing the evolving dynamic at McLaren. Oscar Piastri's pole-to-win performance in Bahrain ousted Max Verstappen from second in the standings, leaving the Australian just three points shy of teammate and championship leader Lando Norris, whose recent form and mindset have dipped slightly.
La Gazzetta dello Sport remarked: "The Australian, in a McLaren that any opponent on the grid would love to drive this year, shows no trace of doubt, no hesitation."
The Italian outlet added: "He (Piastri) shows an icy calm, guiding the 24-year-old through the twists and turns of this season with a self-assurance that reinforces his talent and begins to worry his teammate Lando Norris."
While no extreme friction has surfaced between Norris and Piastri, former Red Bull driver Robert Doornbos believes Piastri's manager, ex-F1 racer Mark Webber, was livid after Suzuka. There, a marginally faster Piastri asked to pass Norris to challenge race winner Verstappen, but McLaren refused.
Doornbos, who said he texted Webber straight away, told Ziggo Sport: "He also responded immediately."
Webber's reply, per Doornbos: "You're right, this is not what I stand for. There is no number 1 driver and this has been clearly discussed'."
Mathias Lauda sees no need for intervention yet. "I think they have such a big lead with the car that they can afford that approach," he said.
He continued: "They have two equal drivers. Piastri is a bit cooler—extremely calm. Nothing can upset him."
"Norris is much more emotional, especially when things are going badly," Lauda noted. "But their team boss is doing a good job so far to keep the drivers under control," he added.
"I think it will be exciting between the two of them until the end of the season," the 44-year-old Austrian concluded.
"They don't need team orders either, because the car is so strong. But if Verstappen's Red Bull comes close again, they will need team orders. Right now? No."
McLaren boss Andrea Stella, reflecting post-Bahrain, acknowledged likely future challenges. "Internally, we're not talking about whether it will happen, we're talking about when it will happen," he said, alluding to potential conflict between his drivers.
"We're very aware that this is a difficult business," Stella added.
