Piastri Backs McLaren's No-Team-Orders Stance for 2026

Oscar Piastri firmly believes McLaren's policy of treating its drivers equally and avoiding team orders is the correct approach, even as the sport heads into the significant regulatory changes of the 2026 season. He argues that this philosophy has rarely been detrimental to the team's performance or his own.

Why it matters:

McLaren's long-standing commitment to letting its drivers race freely, while lauded for its fairness, has sometimes been questioned as a potential impediment to maximizing championship points, especially in tight title battles. Piastri's endorsement of this approach underscores a team culture that prioritizes sporting integrity, even as the team strives to return to championship contention.

The Details:

• Fair-Treatment Approach: Piastri confirmed that McLaren maintains a policy of equal treatment between its drivers, avoiding team orders even when it might seem tactically beneficial.
• Limited Detrimental Scenarios: According to Piastri, there have been very few instances where this approach has negatively impacted the team or drivers. He cited the Monza incident as a rare exception where some argued against the policy, but largely dismissed it as an isolated case.
• Recent Struggles Explained: Piastri attributed his recent performance challenges more to car issues and his own execution rather than any flaw in McLaren's team philosophy.
• Focus on Performance, Not Fairness: He clarified that recent strategic decisions were based on what the team believed was the right thing to do for performance, not out of concern for maintaining fairness between himself and Lando Norris.
• Positive Outcomes: Piastri concluded that the 'no team orders' approach yields significant positives, despite occasional tough moments.

The Big Picture:

McLaren's CEO has consistently reiterated the team's preference for allowing its drivers to race freely, a stance that has been a hallmark of the Woking-based squad for years. This philosophy is often seen as both a strength, fostering internal competition and motivation, and a potential weakness, as some argue it might hinder a concerted title push. The team's last Drivers' Championship dates back to 2008, and while they have shown strong improvements, particularly in the latter half of recent seasons, the debate over team orders often resurfaces when they are in contention for significant points or championship positions.

What's next:

As Formula 1 looks towards the major regulatory overhaul in 2026, McLaren's commitment to its current philosophy will be tested. With new engine regulations and chassis designs expected to shake up the grid, maintaining internal harmony and competitive drive will be crucial. Piastri's confidence suggests that McLaren believes this approach will continue to serve them well in navigating the challenges and opportunities of the future F1 landscape.