Schumacher: McLaren 'Shot Themselves in the Foot' by Not Backing Norris

Ralf Schumacher has criticized McLaren's strategic approach in the 2024 season, arguing the team should have implemented team orders to favor Lando Norris from the Qatar Grand Prix onward. While praising the team's fair "papaya rules," Schumacher believes the strategy of not designating a clear lead driver nearly allowed Max Verstappen to steal the championship. He stated that by not prioritizing Norris, McLaren effectively "shot themselves in the foot."

Why it matters:

The debate over team orders versus driver equality is a perennial dilemma in Formula 1, especially when a team has two drivers in championship contention. McLaren's 2024 strategy provided thrilling on-track battles but risked the ultimate prize: the Constructors' and Drivers' championships. Schumacher's comments reflect a widespread sentiment that in the closing stages of a title fight, team objectives must supersede individual driver ambitions to secure victory against a dominant rival like Verstappen.

The details:

• Schumacher told Formule 1 Magazine that McLaren managed its drivers fairly for most of the season, agreeing with the team orders used at Monza and Hungary.
• However, his view shifted starting with the Qatar Grand Prix, a critical point in the championship battle.
• He stated, "In Qatar, I was a bit surprised. If Verstappen had become champion, they would have shot themselves in the foot."
• Schumacher was direct in his own proposed strategy: "But if I had been team principal — I admit it — from Qatar onward I would have favoured Norris over Piastri."

Between the lines:

Schumacher's comments add to the post-season analysis that McLaren's noble ideal of driver equality may have been a strategic luxury they couldn't afford in a tight championship race. While the approach fostered a healthy internal competition that pushed both drivers, it highlights the fine line teams must walk between maintaining morale and making the ruthless decisions required to win a world title. This debate will likely influence how team principal Andrea Stella and the management approach similar scenarios in 2025, should they find themselves in a championship position again.