McLaren put on notice: Increasingly tense title rivalry can only go one way

The British team impressively broke Red Bull's grasp on the Constructors' Championship last year and are top of the standings once more this season.

Oscar Piastri is leading the championship by eight points at the halfway stage as his teammate Lando Norris closes the gap.

Norris has taken victory in the last two races, including a memorable victory at his home event at the British Grand Prix. McLaren's drivers have already collided in Canada as Norris misjudged a closing gap on the pit straight.

They are fighting exclusively for their first World Championship, and Billy Monger feels there could be more flashpoints between Piastri and Norris.

Monger told Channel 4: "They are fighting for a world championship. In the constructors' they are miles clear. Race wins are precious when you’re fighting for the championship.

“Seven points, Oscar lost out on. You could see how much it hurt him. It will continue to develop throughout the rest of the season.

“The penalties and the points will become more critical as we get to the latter races. It feels like ‘if’ not ‘when’ they have a moment…”

McLaren are likely to win the Constructors' Championship as they are 238 points ahead of their nearest challengers Ferrari.

Piastri and Norris are also battling in an intra-team duel for the world title as Max Verstappen in third place is 69 points behind Piastri.