Herbert believes McLaren will maintain equal support for both drivers in 2026

Throughout the twenty-four round 2025 season, McLaren navigated a fierce championship fight involving strict "papaya rules." Late-season controversy suggested the team prioritized Lando Norris’s title charge over Oscar Piastri, drawing criticism even from Australian parliament members. Nevertheless, Johnny Herbert, a three-time Grand Prix winner, fervently defends McLaren’s approach, insisting equal treatment existed and will continue into 2026.

He believes fairness correctly exposes which driver is superior based on raw pace alone. Although Herbert notes Piastri might have sensed a slight bias existed, he argues the support mechanisms were balanced. He critiqued earlier strategic errors in Monza and Hungary but applauded the drivers’ intelligent performance in the Abu Dhabi finale.

There, Norris managed Charles Leclerc perfectly while Piastri pressured Max Verstappen. Herbert concludes that despite external noise, McLaren successfully let the drivers flow, securing a double win in spirit by allowing their natural talent to determine the final results effectively now.