Zak Brown refuted suggestions that any potential McLaren strategy involving team directives at the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix would signify a reversal of the team’s established competitive principles.
McLaren has prioritized equitable treatment of its drivers, even to the point of strategically re-positioning them during the Italian Grand Prix following a pitstop miscalculation for Lando Norris that inadvertently benefited his teammate, Oscar Piastri.
McLaren is maintaining that both drivers will have an equal opportunity to triumph at Yas Marina, but the scenario exists where Piastri could be instructed to yield position to Norris if doing so would be crucial in McLaren’s bid to secure victory against Red Bull’s contender, Max Verstappen.
“Regarding the implementation of team strategy, as long as both drivers retain a legitimate chance to clinch the world championship – which is currently the case – then it’s business as usual, and they are afforded the freedom to compete,” Brown articulated during Friday’s FIA press briefing.
“Naturally, we will maintain a practical and realistic outlook. If, as the weekend progresses, or as the race unfolds, it becomes evident that one driver possesses a significantly elevated probability of success compared to the other, then we, as a team striving to secure the drivers’ championship, will align our racing strategy accordingly to maximize the leading driver’s chances of winning the race.
“Our team’s strategic philosophy has always centered on providing equal opportunities to contend for the championship. However, should the race dynamics make it clear that achieving this for both drivers is unattainable, we will prioritize the team’s collective interests and endeavor to secure the drivers’ championship.”
When questioned about potential criticisms suggesting McLaren is deviating from its previously demonstrated racing approach, Brown responded: “I don’t perceive it as a departure. We will commence the weekend adhering to the same principles as the previous 23 races, affording both drivers an equal chance to succeed.
Lando Norris, McLaren, Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Photo by: Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images
“Reflecting on the previous year, once it became apparent that Lando possessed the superior likelihood of overtaking Max and Oscar was practically eliminated from contention in Baku, we instructed Oscar to support Lando, which ultimately resulted in Lando reciprocating that support for Oscar in that specific race, leading to Oscar’s victory.
“Therefore, we will exercise sound judgment. We are not prepared to jeopardize a drivers’ championship for the sake of a sixth and a seventh place finish, a third and a fourth place result, or a fifth and a sixth place outcome.
“If one of our drivers is effectively out of contention, I believe that all our actions are undertaken in collaboration with the drivers. They are fully aware of the strategy for the weekend, and regardless of our choices, we will inevitably face scrutiny. We will remain committed to our established racing principles. Our objective is to secure the constructors’ championship, which we have achieved, and to win the drivers’ championship, and we will monitor the race to determine the appropriate course of action.”
The key question then becomes: if that particular situation arises, will Piastri adhere to a team directive?
The Australian driver was non-committal when the topic was raised on Thursday, stating that he needed to ‘understand the expectations’ before being able to provide a definitive response.
Brown, conversely, expressed confidence: “Indeed, our drivers have consistently honored team requests, mirroring our responsiveness to their needs. I have complete faith that both drivers will continue to compete with the same level of skill and dedication, prioritizing the team’s success.”
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– The Autosport.com Team
