McLaren’s Norris vs. Piastri Title Fight Risk

The recent contest between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in Hungary demonstrates that McLaren is adopting a daring approach in the Formula 1 title chase.

After a setback at the start, Norris was afforded the latitude to pursue a bold one-stop strategy, which ultimately proved to be the decisive move. The preceding week, the roles were reversed in Spa when Norris’ choice to switch to a harder tyre compound did not yield the desired outcome. 

However, the overarching message to both sides of the McLaren garage is unmistakable: embrace the strategy you deem most effective. This isn’t necessarily to ensure a straightforward 1-2 finish, but to secure victory in the race. 

This strategy is inherently precarious and could potentially lead to unfavorable results in the future. McLaren previously learned this lesson the hard way when Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton engaged in a fierce rivalry in 2007, their contentious battle ultimately paving the way for Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen to seize the world championship. 

Some may contend that McLaren has an advantage, asserting that their car is significantly superior and more consistent than their rivals – with the position of second-best team fluctuating from week to week – affording the papaya squad the privilege of allowing their drivers to compete intensely against each other. 

“We acknowledge the risk of not fully supporting one driver, but we are committed to providing Oscar and Lando with an equal chance to compete on the track for the drivers’ world championship,” Zak Brown stated. “This is an exciting prospect for us and for the sport.” 

However, allowing their drivers to race freely is not solely a tactic to generate positive publicity or benefit the series. There are also internal factors that will ultimately benefit McLaren, as having two equally valued drivers will prevent either Norris or Piastri from becoming dissatisfied with their opportunities within the team. 

Lando Norris, McLaren, Oscar Piastri, McLaren

Photo by: Guido De Bortoli

They understand that in December, the most accomplished driver will claim a maiden world title, and the competition resets to zero again in March of the following year.

“We believe the advantages of adopting this racing approach significantly outweigh the potential drawbacks – despite being aware that incidents can occur,” Brown added.  

Team principal Andrea Stella echoed Brown’s sentiments, cautioning that McLaren’s approach didn’t “simplify my life or Zak’s life”.  

“We are also competing in a specific manner, one that is transparent and allows our drivers to showcase their abilities, ambitions, qualities, and continuous development,” Stella explained. 

“That is our purpose, and we are extremely fortunate to be in this position. Not only with the team we have assembled, but also with Oscar and Lando, who are exceptional drivers and, above all, remarkable individuals.” 

McLaren is “not oblivious” to potential future incidents 

This strategy is only effective when you have two drivers who align with the model. In Norris and Piastri, McLaren possesses two drivers who have consistently embraced the team’s objectives thus far. This wasn’t the case from the outset, as both drivers evolved into the roles of regular race winners and title contenders. 

Lando Norris, McLaren

Photo by: James Sutton / Motorsport Images via Getty Images

There was some irritation when Norris was instructed to allow Piastri to regain the lead in Hungary last year, after having only been placed in that position due to an earlier pitstop with the understanding that he would cede the position to the Australian. Furthermore, McLaren’s rules of engagement – the ‘papaya rules’ – were clarified when Piastri executed a risky maneuver on Norris at Turn 3 in Monza, resulting in his teammate losing a position to Charles Leclerc.  

However, aside from an unfortunate incident in Canada, for which Norris accepted responsibility, both drivers have demonstrated their trustworthiness, which is why the team has not felt the need to impose stricter regulations. This is also why Brown believes he has the right pair of drivers to prevent a recurrence of the events of 2007. 

“When it comes to teammates competing for a world title, opinions vary – and some may be critical – so it’s crucial for me to clarify a few points. Firstly, as I’ve mentioned before, I firmly believe we have the best driver lineup in Formula 1, and I wouldn’t exchange it for any other. 

“Secondly, when you have two drivers vying for the world championship, there’s naturally a surge of excitement – and we share in that excitement. We relish nothing more than watching these guys battle it out. So, may the most deserving driver prevail.” 

The fact that Norris’ miscalculation in Montreal is the sole intra-team incident thus far is commendable. However, with 10 grands prix remaining and only nine points separating the two drivers, the most challenging phase for McLaren is yet to come. The true test of the Woking team’s culture is yet to unfold, as the title battle intensifies towards the end.

Brown is prepared for potential internal conflicts, but he says that the way Norris took responsibility for his mistake in Canada gives him confidence that future incidents will not cause the structure he and Stella have built to collapse. 

“I’m not oblivious,” said Brown. “The intensity and stress will escalate, but the team will continue to function harmoniously and manage situations as they arise. 

“Of course, we recognize that incidents have occurred and will continue to occur. The key is how well you prepare for these moments and how you address them. I believe Montreal served as a prime illustration of how effectively everyone handled the situation.”