Formula 1
26 Jan 2025
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McLaren Drivers Should Follow Michael Schumacher’s Example, Says Johnny Herbert

oscar piastri mclaren mcl38 la

As McLaren enters the 2024 Formula 1 season with high hopes for its drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, the team’s approach to managing its drivers has come under scrutiny. Johnny Herbert, a former F1 driver and pundit, has emphasized the importance of McLaren drivers adopting the mentality and mindset of legendary drivers like Michael Schumacher and Max Verstappen. According to Herbert, McLaren should give both Norris and Piastri the freedom to compete against each other to determine who will be the top driver for the team moving forward, especially with the 2025 season on the horizon.

McLaren’s Driver Strategy: The Late Decision on Norris as Lead Driver

Throughout much of the 2024 season, McLaren refrained from naming a clear lead driver. However, when Lando Norris found himself in a position to challenge Max Verstappen for top positions in the final rounds of the season, McLaren eventually made the decision to designate Norris as the team’s lead driver. This move came late in the season, and it sparked debate within the F1 community about the team’s overall strategy and how they should manage their drivers.

Johnny Herbert, a former F1 driver with years of experience in the sport, has a clear opinion on the matter. He believes that McLaren’s approach to driver management needs to evolve, particularly when it comes to allowing both Norris and Piastri the opportunity to prove themselves and compete against one another. He draws parallels to Michael Schumacher and Max Verstappen, two of the most dominant figures in F1 history, and suggests that McLaren drivers should adopt the same mindset in order to succeed.

The Schumacher Mentality: Dominating from the Start

Michael Schumacher is widely regarded as one of the greatest drivers in the history of Formula 1, and his approach to racing and his mental strength were key factors in his success. According to Johnny Herbert, Schumacher’s dominance in the sport was evident even before he entered the track for the first time. “Michael Schumacher always made sure that he was the dominant force in F1,” Herbert explained in an interview with Casinoutanspelpaus.io. “It was like that even before he even started the first race. That’s exactly what Max Verstappen does; he just focuses on himself and makes sure he’s the best, no matter who his teammates are.”

Herbert’s point is that, like Schumacher and Verstappen, McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri should adopt a similar mindset: one that is focused solely on winning the world championship and on being the best, regardless of the competition within the team. “That’s what Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri need to do at McLaren,” Herbert continued. “So how will McLaren deal with that? By allowing their drivers to blossom on their own.”

McLaren Needs to Allow Its Drivers to Compete Freely

Herbert argues that McLaren should not impose any preconceived hierarchy between its drivers at the start of the season. Instead, the team should allow Norris and Piastri to compete freely, with the best driver naturally emerging as the lead driver over time. This would allow for a more organic development of the team dynamic, as opposed to imposing a one-sided attitude from the start.

“They need to let it develop on its own at the beginning of the season because it would not be good for McLaren to start the season with a one-sided attitude,” Herbert said. “They need to see that over time.” This approach not only provides both drivers with an opportunity to prove themselves but also encourages healthy competition that could push both Norris and Piastri to greater heights.

This strategy, according to Herbert, would be a way for McLaren to avoid favoritism and allow the team to find the most capable driver for the 2025 season. The goal would be for the best-performing driver to naturally emerge, rather than having a predetermined leader before the season even begins.

The Importance of Mental Strength in the Fight for Dominance

Johnny Herbert goes on to explain that mental strength is one of the key factors that separate the truly great drivers from the rest of the pack. Both Michael Schumacher and Max Verstappen have demonstrated a single-minded focus on winning, and this mental toughness has been instrumental in their success. “What Schumacher and Verstappen have in common is that they think everything is about them and winning the world championship,” Herbert noted. “They don’t focus on anything else.”

This mentality, Herbert believes, is what Norris and Piastri should strive for at McLaren. They must view everything through the lens of winning and push themselves to be the best, regardless of the challenges they face. This type of mental resilience allows drivers to navigate the pressures of F1 and deal with difficult situations, whether it be internal team competition or external challenges on the track.

“So mental strength is what gives the pilots a big advantage in this fight,” Herbert added. This insight reflects the nature of F1, where the most successful drivers are not only skilled behind the wheel but also able to maintain a strong mental approach to racing, particularly when the pressure is at its highest.

McLaren Path Forward: Allowing Both Drivers to Develop

In the competitive world of Formula 1, every decision a team makes can have long-lasting implications, and McLaren’s handling of its drivers will play a significant role in the team’s future success. By following the advice of Johnny Herbert and allowing Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to compete without unnecessary restrictions, McLaren could foster a more competitive environment that encourages both drivers to elevate their game.

Herbert’s belief that McLaren should take a more hands-off approach early in the season aligns with the idea that natural competition can lead to better results. By not forcing a clear hierarchy from the outset, the team can give both drivers the space they need to develop and improve, ensuring that the team’s ultimate decision for the 2025 season is based on performance rather than preconceived roles.

The Future of McLaren: What Comes Next?

Looking ahead, McLaren’s performance in the 2024 season will be a key indicator of how well their driver strategy pans out. By giving Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri the freedom to develop on their own and allowing them to compete at the highest level, McLaren could not only find its top driver for the 2025 season but also lay the groundwork for future success.

As the team continues to evolve and grow, the lessons learned from legendary figures like Michael Schumacher and Max Verstappen will undoubtedly serve as valuable guides for both Norris and Piastri. With the right mental approach and a focus on personal and team development, McLaren has the potential to return to the upper echelons of Formula 1 in the coming years.

Conclusion: McLaren’s Key to Success

Johnny Herbert’s advice for McLaren is clear: allow Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to develop naturally and compete freely without imposing unnecessary hierarchy. By adopting a mindset akin to that of Michael Schumacher and Max Verstappen — one that is solely focused on winning and achieving greatness — McLaren can ensure that its drivers perform at their best. Mental strength, combined with healthy competition, could be the key to unlocking the full potential of the team as they look toward a successful future in Formula 1.

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Michael Schumacher, Ferrari F2003 GA, leads Kimi Raikkonen, McLaren

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