Mika Hakkinen has expressed a different viewpoint from Helmut Marko regarding Oscar Piastri’s potential to match Lando Norris at McLaren this season.
After observing the impressive speed of the MCL39 during testing and the first two races in Australia and China, it appears to be a frontrunner in the F1 field. In Melbourne, Norris and Piastri dominated the race until lap 44 when a sudden downpour disrupted their lead. Piastri slid off, allowing Norris to take the win, while Piastri managed to secure ninth place, overtaking Lewis Hamilton in the final lap.
In Shanghai, Piastri made a remarkable comeback, finishing second in the sprint race just behind Lewis Hamilton from Ferrari. He then delivered an outstanding performance in the main race, clinching his third F1 victory and giving McLaren its 50th one-two finish as a team.
Helmut Marko, from Red Bull, suggested that the friendly rivalry between Norris and Piastri could impact Max Verstappen’s pursuit of a fifth consecutive title by having them take points from each other.
Hakkinen, who knows McLaren well from his championship-winning days, feels confident that Norris will lead the team. Speaking to Bild, he shared, “In my opinion, they will push each other to new heights, benefiting their personal growth and aiding the team in the constructors’ race.”
He added, “It’s too soon for any team orders, but if I had to bet, I’d back Lando.”
“McLaren has steadily climbed to the top ranks after starting 2023 as the underdogs. They’ve now set the standard. During my last visit to the factory, there was a palpable sense of excitement—the team recognizes the unique chance they have this season to compete for both world titles.”
