McLaren to Maintain Equal Driver Treatment Despite Verstappen Threat
McLaren's team boss Andrea Stella confirms the team will continue to treat Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri equally in the F1 championship, despite a dramatic points shift after both cars were disqualified in Las Vegas. This decision comes as Max Verstappen closes in on both drivers, intensifying the title fight and testing McLaren's long-standing philosophy of fairness over early driver prioritization. The team remains confident in its strategy and aims to rebound strongly in the upcoming Qatar Grand Prix.
McLaren leadership has affirmed its commitment to treating both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri equally in the championship fight, despite a significant setback at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The disqualification of both McLaren cars from the Las Vegas results has allowed Max Verstappen to dramatically close the points gap, intensifying the championship battle.
Why it matters:
McLaren's unwavering stance on equal driver treatment, even as the championship tightens, highlights their team philosophy. This approach, while potentially risking a repeat of their 2007 title loss, aims to foster internal competition and long-term team strength. With Verstappen now a direct threat to both drivers, the team's ability to manage this dynamic will be crucial for their championship aspirations.
The Details:
- Vegas Disqualification: Both McLaren cars were disqualified from the Las Vegas Grand Prix after failing post-race inspections. This penalty erased strong performances, including what would have been Norris's second-place finish.
- Championship Impact: The disqualification drastically altered the driver standings. Verstappen is now just 24 points behind Norris and level with Piastri, shifting the dynamics of the championship hunt.
- Norris's Surge: Prior to Las Vegas, Norris had been in formidable form, securing four consecutive podium finishes, including wins in Mexico and Brazil. This run had established him as McLaren's lead contender.
- Piastri's Recent Struggles: Oscar Piastri, who once held a significant points advantage over Norris, has not been on the podium since Monza in early September. His recent dip in form coincides with Verstappen's rapid ascent.
- Team Principle: Team boss Andrea Stella emphasized that McLaren will only change its policy of equal driver support if one driver is mathematically out of contention for the title.
- Zak Brown's Preference: McLaren CEO Zak Brown previously stated he would prefer a repeat of the 2007 scenario
- In 2007, Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso, McLaren drivers, lost the title to Kimi Räikkönen due to internal rivalry.
- This preference underscores the team's commitment to fairness over early strategic prioritization.
Looking Ahead:
McLaren's commitment to its principles will be tested in the upcoming races. Norris still holds a mathematical advantage and has his first title "match point" in Qatar. If he outscores both Piastri and Verstappen by two points in Qatar (including the sprint race), he will secure the championship.
- Cultural Strength: Andrea Stella praised the team's strong cultural foundation, noting their focus on learning from setbacks and dismissing negativity. He highlighted a "no blame culture" focused on constant progress.
- Team Unity: Stella expressed confidence in the team's ability to emerge stronger from challenging situations, aiming to provide both Norris and Piastri with the best possible car to contend for the world title.
- Qatar Grand Prix: The next race in Qatar will be a critical juncture, where McLaren hopes to demonstrate its resilience and continue its fight for the double world championship.