Piastri Backs McLaren's 'No Team Order' Policy for 2026
Oscar Piastri has voiced strong support for McLaren's 'no team order' policy, asserting that the team's approach of treating its drivers fairly is the correct one, even looking ahead to the 2026 Formula 1 season. Piastri believes this philosophy rarely harms their performance and fosters a positive competitive environment, despite occasional criticism regarding its impact on championship aspirations. His comments underscore McLaren's commitment to driver equality as they navigate future challenges.
Oscar Piastri has reiterated his support for McLaren's long-standing 'no team order' policy, stating it remains the right approach even for the upcoming 2026 Formula 1 season. The Australian driver believes the team's fair treatment of its drivers has rarely been detrimental, despite some past incidents.
Why it matters:
McLaren's commitment to allowing its drivers to race freely, without imposing team orders, stands in contrast to many of its rivals. This philosophy, while promoting competitive racing within the team, has sometimes been questioned as a potential hurdle in their quest for a drivers' championship, a title they haven't secured since 2008. Piastri's endorsement highlights the team's internal belief in this approach's long-term benefits.
The Details:
- Piastri's Stance: Following the Qatar Grand Prix, Piastri told GPblog that he doesn't believe McLaren needs to alter its current approach for 2026, stating, "I don’t think we need to change that approach." He argues that scenarios where it has been detrimental have been few.
- Monza Incident: Piastri cited the Monza incident as the primary instance where the 'no team order' policy drew significant criticism, though he suggests it's an isolated case.
- Recent Performance: Piastri addressed his recent struggles compared to teammate Lando Norris, attributing them to personal execution and car issues rather than the team's policy. He acknowledged Norris's speed in recent weeks, clarifying that any strategic missteps were tactical decisions, not a result of fairness concerns.
- Team's Philosophy: McLaren's management has consistently emphasized their belief in driver equality and free racing, a stance their CEO recently reaffirmed, preferring to let drivers compete openly until the final race of the season.
What's next:
McLaren's 'no team order' philosophy will continue to be a defining characteristic of their racing strategy as they approach the significant regulation changes in 2026. While some critics might point to potential missed championship opportunities, the team and its drivers, including Piastri, seem convinced that this approach fosters a healthy competitive environment and ultimately yields positive results. The true test will come when McLaren finds itself consistently fighting for championships, where such policies are often put under the most intense scrutiny.