For Nico Rosberg, Lando Norris has become McLaren’s main reference and, if the fight for the 2026 Formula 1 championship title demands it, Oscar Piastri may end up taking on a supporting role. The 2016 world champion believes McLaren should consider this possibility, but there is a possible obstacle: Piastri’s contract. According to Rosberg, the Australian may have a clause that guarantees number one driver treatment.
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“First of all, there are often also contractual clauses, in Oscar’s contract, that he will always be treated as a number one driver,” Rosberg said about the suggestion of team orders at McLaren. “So that is an obstacle to overcome, which I, for example, had in my contract. But aside from that, of course McLaren should [do this] as soon as possible. It’s just that it’s still a bit early in the championship. So I don’t know when, but at some point, they may try to move in that direction.
“Because Lando is also doing an incredible job this year. He is driving better than ever and is clearly McLaren’s best driver, except for yesterday’s qualifying. But at the moment, he is on a high.”
The situation gained momentum after the Italian GP. Norris arrived in Monza 83 points behind Kimi Antonelli, the championship leader, but finished only fourth, while Mercedes returned to the top. As a result, the gap increased to 96 points. Piastri is another 55 points behind his teammate.
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Even so, Piastri showed a reaction. The Australian had his best result in a Grand Prix since the Belgian GP and was in the fight for the podium, as well as pressuring Norris until the end. The Briton won the internal duel, but by only two tenths.
The summer updates on the MCL40 had raised expectations about a possible title fight. Norris responded with wins in Hungary and the Netherlands and was gaining more and more control over Piastri.
After Monza, Andrea Stella also praised the Australian. The McLaren boss stated that Piastri has been evolving in adapting his driving style to the demands of F1 2026.
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