McLaren: manufacturers’ title in Baku, then green light for Piastri-Norris duel

This weekend sees the Azerbaijan GP. As always, McLaren starts as the favorite and, in this case, also has a clear goal, which is to mathematically win the Constructors’ World Championship. In Baku, the papaya team has the first match point to close the file.

Strong of an abysmal lead over Ferrari, the first pursuer (617 points for McLaren, “only” 280 for the Red), the team led by team principal Andrea Stella needs to make a double (or first and third place) in Baku to be sure of being able to kick off the party to win the Constructors’ World Championship (always the team’s first goal).

As soon as the Constructors’ World Championship is certain, that’s when Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris will be free to duel for the Drivers’ World Championship. After the’order given to the Australian at the Italian GP, the standings see Oscar Piastri first with 324 points. His lead over his teammate is 31 points.

With eight GPs still to go (including the GP d’Azerbaijan), Oscar Piastri might as well be an accountant and manage the lead, although Lando Norris does not seem willing to step aside so easily. Watch out for possible outsiders in the duel for the World Champion title. Max Verstappen has been reborn in Monza and seems to be back with a vengeance. Also not to be underestimated is the Leclerc-Hamilton duo dreaming of the Cavallino’s first win of the season.