According to Nico Rosberg, Lando Norris has become McLaren’s main reference, and if the 2026 Formula 1 title fight demands it, Oscar Piastri could end up taking on a supporting role. The 2016 world champion believes McLaren should consider this possibility, but there is a potential obstacle: Piastri’s contract. Rosberg notes that the Australian might have a clause guaranteeing him treatment as the number one driver.
“First of all, there are often 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 be overcome, something I, for example, had in my own contract. But beyond that, of course McLaren should act as quickly as possible. It’s just that the season is still early. So I don’t know when, but at some point they might try to push in that direction.”
“Because Lando is also doing an incredible job this year. He’s driving better than ever and is clearly the best McLaren driver, except for yesterday’s classification. But at the moment, he’s riding high.”
The situation gained momentum after the Italian Grand Prix. Norris arrived at Monza 83 points behind Kimi Antonelli, the championship leader, but finished only fourth, while Mercedes climbed back to the top. As a result, the gap widened to 96 points. Piastri was a further 55 points behind his teammate.
Nevertheless, Piastri showed a response. The Australian delivered his best result in a Grand Prix since the Belgian GP and remained in podium contention, pressuring Norris until the end. The Briton won the internal duel, but by only two tenths.
The mid-season updates to the MCL40 had raised expectations of a title challenge. Norris answered with victories in Hungary and the Netherlands and was increasingly gaining the upper hand over Piastri.
After Monza, Andrea Stella also praised the Australian. The McLaren chief said Piastri has been progressing in adapting his driving style to the demands of F1 2026.
