I agree that the McLaren was not actually dominant at any point this season. That narrative is just out there to cut down Lando. Because for a lot of people, that is what its all about. Its usually Max fans and Hamilton fans. And they are invested in the success of Piastri for the same reason.BMMR61 wrote: ↑31 Oct 2024, 09:25You guys carrying on like clickbaiters. Really, armchair experts, McLaren were not expected to challenge for any titles in 2024, just the odd win. Suddenly they are being called "fastest" and "dominant". Both are very arbitrary, especially in a season of such small margins. F1 hasn't always been like Mercedes 2014 - 2020 and Red Bull 2021 - 2023. Seven drivers have won GPs in 4 different cars (sorry Checo). Catching Max was always going to be difficult with his early season wins. Then one person suggested Lando could overhaul 80 points (never been done before) and everyone is on the bandwagon. Some people were suggesting Oscar should be made to play the donkey with 10 races to go. McLaren were messing up. People got so invested in their desire for another champion for whatever reasons.TeamKoolGreen wrote: ↑31 Oct 2024, 02:08Norris didn't blow it. The team and Piastri blew it for him.
And all of those actions might also cost the WCC if they aren't lucky.
Even with some of the wheel to wheel failings of Lando, it's just unfair. He has only had a truly competitive car since Miami, Max has had a competitive car for 4 years and has developed his race craft enormously. Even if Lando (or Oscar) don't rise to Max's brilliant best he (they) deserve our tremendous respect. We the fans aren't owed anything. Sure there's been times where McLaren's race strategies have been somewhat.... green, Hungary, Silverstone mainly, leading the WCC came as a lovely surprise. I agree it will be a bitter pill but to say Oscar could cost them the WCC is frankly outrageous. His Baku win was arguably the gutsiest of the year in a car which was not the clear fastest.
Having said all of that, the fact that Lando actually gave in on team orders and the team threatened him and said that he needed Oscar, for Oscar to knife him the way he did, which resulted in Leclerc taking the Monza win, I don't think its really a stretch to put some blame on Oscar.
And this has all set a precedent for next year. If Norris's points lead wasn't enough to get the team on his side this year, then it will be the same for Piastri next year. If Norris has a DNF on the first race while Oscar wins, too bad. Its basically two one car teams.
