McLaren to Maintain Equal Treatment for Norris and Piastri in Abu Dhabi Finale

McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella confirmed that Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will receive equal treatment in the Formula 1 season finale in Abu Dhabi, despite a tight championship battle. The decision comes after a challenging Qatar Grand Prix where McLaren's pit strategy under a safety car drew scrutiny, potentially costing both drivers a better result.

Why it matters:

McLaren's commitment to equal opportunity for both drivers in a championship-deciding race could either be a testament to fair play or a risky move that could jeopardize a strong finish for the team. With both Norris and Piastri still mathematically in contention, albeit trailing Max Verstappen, their strategy will be critical. This decision underscores McLaren's team philosophy but also places immense pressure on flawless execution from both drivers and the pit wall.

The Details:

• Qatar GP Aftermath: In Qatar, Oscar Piastri finished second after starting from pole, while Lando Norris took fourth after starting second. Norris lost a position to Verstappen at the start.
• Controversial Pit Strategy: A key moment of contention was McLaren's decision not to pit either driver when the safety car was deployed on lap 7. Stella explained they didn't anticipate every other driver to pit, which then constrained their strategy for the rest of the race.
• Championship Standings: Heading into Abu Dhabi, Norris leads Verstappen by 12 points, with Piastri four points behind Verstappen. While Verstappen has overtaken Piastri, both McLaren drivers remain in a position to challenge for the title.
• Stella's Rationale: Andrea Stella emphasized the team's respect for both drivers' chances, stating, "They're both in condition to win the championship." He cited historical examples (2007 with Kimi Räikkönen, 2010) where a third-placed driver ultimately won the championship, reinforcing the belief that both Norris and Piastri deserve to race for the title.

What's next:

McLaren's focus is on meticulous preparation for Abu Dhabi. Stella stressed the need for perfection, acknowledging that recent events in Qatar and Vegas highlighted missed opportunities due to imperfections.

• The team aims to review and adapt its approach based on recent races to ensure optimal performance and execution in the finale.
• Stella affirmed the team's unity and determination, stating, "We are still in condition to have the outcome of the championship in our hands. It's now up to the quality of our work to make sure that we pull off the performance and the race execution required."
• This approach sets the stage for an intense and potentially unpredictable season-closer, where McLaren's 'let them race' philosophy will be put to the ultimate test against a strong field.