Papaya Rules backs Norris

McLaren has formally come out to say they would prioritize Norris' racing going forward. It seems they have changed their mind about having two number-one drivers. It seems Piastri would steadily be relegated to a number two role. They speak of maintaining harmony within the team, but l fail to see how they would expect a racer like Piastri to like that.

By the evidence of the last few races, it is clear Norris needs help to catch and beat Verstappen while the triple world champion is suffering from car problems. But l am thinking it might be tough for Piastri to keep his motivation until the end of the season in a number two experience.

Today's results may result in a re think of the policy.

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Originally Posted by Used to be Starter

Today's results may result in a re think of the policy.

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Norris to support Piastri? 😆

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Originally Posted by Used to be Starter

Today's results may result in a re think of the policy.

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I doubt it, Norris still is their best chance of also clinching the driver's title. That is if Norris can get his act together. But one thing is clear, both Verstappen and Norris would have to watch their backs as Piastri and Leclerc are both closing in fast. We may well end in a four-way fight for the title at the last few races of the season. The title may come down to one or two points between the winner and the chasers, come Abu Dhabi.

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Originally Posted by Nitrodaze

I doubt it, Norris still is their best chance of also clinching the driver's title. That is if Norris can get his act together. But one thing is clear, both Verstappen and Norris would have to watch their backs as Piastri and Leclerc are both closing in fast. We may well end in a four-way fight for the title at the last few races of the season. The title may come down to one or two points between the winner and the chasers, come Abu Dhabi.

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That would be the best result in a long time.

McLaren have a bit of a problem. Not alone is Piastri the best performer over the last 7-8 races, he's significantly outscoring both Max and Lando. Points total over last 5 races.

Max: 58
Norris: 83
Piastri: 98

He has gained 40 points over Max in 5 races. While it's unlikely he'd be able to catch Max by the end of the season, it's not beyond the realms of possibility but at his current points scoring rate, he will definitely move ahead of Norris. I think it's difficult to ask a driver of his calibre to move over when outperforming Norris. It appears Oscar has agreed to this but reluctantly. Two or three low points scoring finishes for Max and Oscar is suddenly within touching distance.

Whatever happens Oscar has shown his quality this season and I'd fully expect him to outperform Lando next season if his progress continues this way.

I don't it is going to matter as I think Max has enough to win the title.

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Originally Posted by N. Jones

I don't it is going to matter as I think Max has enough to win the title.

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It's a big points deficit still at this point. Possible, but not very likely.

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Originally Posted by N. Jones

I don't it is going to matter as I think Max has enough to win the title.

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I agree he will likely win the title but there's still a chance for Oscar and Norris.

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Originally Posted by N. Jones

I don't it is going to matter as I think Max has enough to win the title.

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Nah, l don't think Max is in a comfortable posiition to win the title yet. One DNF or crash with the competion scoring top points would put immense pressure on Max's chances. Of course, if he can keep his nose clean and keep scoring as much points as he can, he may sneak acrosss the line at Abu Dhabi as world Champion.

With Singapore being a dodgy track for Redbull, he is likely to give up some more of his advantage. It is a very tough moment for Verstappen. He needs a miracle to turn nhios season around.

I think they made this decision too late and Lando also couldn't perform as well as his team expected from him lately. He must have learnt some lessons this season and it won't be a surprise to see him fighting for the WDC next season right from the start.

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Originally Posted by Matthew

I think they made this decision too late and Lando also couldn't perform as well as his team expected from him lately. He must have learnt some lessons this season and it won't be a surprise to see him fighting for the WDC next season right from the start.

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This season is likely to be a dearly missed opportunity. Next season would be much more tricky. My money is on Piastri stepping up to lead the fight for the WDC. Also, the other teams such as Ferrari and Mercedes would also step up their game to make it a much tougher championship battle. Who would win the 2025 championship is anyone's guess at the moment.

What is certain is that it would not be easy for Redbull or McLaren to lead the field as they have done this season. This could be Lando's only chance to win a WDC before the 2026 regulation era commences.

I think next season is going to be insane due to the number of teams with a legit shot of winning either championship.

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Originally Posted by N. Jones

I think next season is going to be insane due to the number of teams with a legit shot of winning either championship.

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The 2025 season is such a great opportunity for a number of drivers to win their first WDC. I am thinking, it would be an unmissable opportunity for Leclerc to win his 1st WDC for Ferrari while Hamilton is finding his feet. It would also be a huge opportunity for either of the Maclaren drivers to win it; after the inter-teammaye battle has shaken out to a front-runner. I would hope McLaren learn their lesson and back the front-runner early.

That said, Russell and Mercedes have a great opportunity to win it, assuming Merc edes can turn up with a decent car in 2025. The trajectory of Mercedes and Ferrari's performance progression suggests they should both be very competitive in 2025. I think the sharp end of the grid shall be densely populated with margins much tighter than we have seen for a while.

The question mark is, what shall Aston Martin bring to the grid in 2025 with the Maestro in their team?
A true indication of what the season has to offer in terms of tougher competition shall be evident at the next pre-season testing and l eagerly look forward to it.