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By Saajan Jogia
Sports Contributing Writer
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Formula One presenter Naomi Schiff has predicted that "mind games" will be at play in the McLaren garage as both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri battle closely for the 2025 championship.
McLaren's MCL39 F1 car has been a dominant machine this season thus far, given that Piastri and Norris occupy the top two positions in the Drivers' Standings in the same order. The Papaya outfit experienced a resurgence in the current ground effect era, mid-2024, and surpassed Red Bull to win the constructors' championship.
The Woking-based outfit adopted a radical approach with the MCL39, which is mostly new compared to its predecessor, the MCL38. However, having a dominant car with two strong drivers could lead to a situation where they are constantly compared.
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Following Norris' British Grand Prix win last weekend, he closed the gap to Piastri in the championship by a considerable margin. He trails his Australian teammate by just 8 points. Sky Sports' Naomi Schiff has opened up on the probability of mental games affecting both drivers. She said:
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"They have proven to be competitive at every circuit and have so much consistency that it doesn't look like anyone is able, yet, to take the fight to them.
"So mind games will 100% come into it.
"Comparison is the killer of joy! Your teammate next to you is constantly being compared. That's what will be hard.
"I am sure [Mark Webber] has been giving [Piastri] help from the sidelines of all the things to think about."
Schiff believes Norris has more homework to do than Piastri, considering he was slower in qualifying at Silverstone. She added:
"There were a few places that Lando dropped the ball this weekend.
"He didn't have the right lap in qualifying. He qualified behind his teammate.
"There were rumours he was saving the inters but he didn't seem to be as quick as Oscar.
"There are things for him to study despite his victory."
Piastri failed to extend his lead in the championship after a safety car infringement at Silverstone, for which he was handed a ten-second penalty. That allowed Norris to take the lead and seal his victory. Expressing his frustration at the penalty, Piastri said after the race:
"Yeah, I'm not gonna say much. I'll get myself in trouble, so well done to Nico. I think that's the highlight of the day, so... yeah, I'll leave it there."
When Jenson Button insisted he spoke about the incident, Piastri added:
"Yeah, I mean, apparently you can't brake behind the safety car anymore. I mean, I did it for five laps before that and... again, I'm not gonna say too much 'cause I'll get myself in trouble. But thanks to the crowd for a great event. Thanks for sticking through the weather. I still like Silverstone even if I don't like it today, so thanks for coming out."
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