Should McLaren Prioritize Lando Norris for the F1 Title?
McLaren faces a critical decision after Lando Norris's championship lead was cut to 24 points by Max Verstappen following a double disqualification in Las Vegas. With two races left, the team must decide whether to support Norris's title bid with team orders or let both drivers race freely, balancing championship aspirations with team fairness and morale.
Following a double disqualification at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, McLaren finds itself in a tight spot as Max Verstappen closes in on championship leader Lando Norris. With just two rounds remaining, and Norris's lead over Verstappen cut to 24 points, the Woking team faces a crucial decision: should they back Norris or allow both drivers to compete freely? Motorsport.com writers weigh in on the implications for McLaren's title aspirations and team dynamics.
Why it matters:
McLaren's recent performance and the championship standings have put the team in a difficult position regarding driver strategy. Historically, McLaren has avoided overt team orders, but the current scenario, with Verstappen breathing down Norris's neck, demands a careful reassessment. The outcome of this strategic choice could define McLaren's championship bid and shape the future dynamics between its promising young drivers.
The Details:
- Las Vegas Setback: Both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were disqualified from the Las Vegas Grand Prix due to excessive plank wear, resulting in a crucial loss of points. This incident allowed Max Verstappen to significantly reduce the gap to Norris.
- Current Standings: Lando Norris now holds a 24-point lead over Max Verstappen, while Oscar Piastri is level on points with Verstappen. This tight competition puts immense pressure on McLaren ahead of the final two races.
- McLaren's Stance (Pre-Vegas): Prior to Las Vegas, McLaren CEO Zak Brown and Team Principal Andrea Stella stated that as long as both drivers were within 25 points of each other, no team orders would be issued. They emphasized fairness and a willingness to take risks, citing the 2007 scenario.
- Arguments Against Team Orders (Ronald Vording, Ben Vinel, Filip Cleeren):
- Fairness: Asking Piastri to play second fiddle now would be unfair, especially since he wasn't asked to support Norris when he was leading the championship.
- Piastri's Aspirations: Piastri is still mathematically in contention with Verstappen and has his own goals. Denying him a fair fight could be detrimental to his morale and long-term relationship with the team.
- Self-Correction: Norris is still the overwhelming favorite, and McLaren's strong performance on circuits like Losail (Qatar) might allow him to seal the title without intervention. The situation might naturally resolve itself.
- Damaging Effects: Imposing team orders can be extremely damaging to a driver's self-esteem and sense of belonging, potentially alienating a valuable asset for future seasons.
- Arguments For Team Orders (Oleg Karpov):
- Strategic Imperative: McLaren should prioritize Norris as he is best placed to secure their first drivers' world title since 2008.
- Compensation: Norris's mechanical retirement in Zandvoort and the Las Vegas disqualification cost him significant points. McLaren owes him support.
- Norris's Readiness: Norris has shown he is more ready to handle championship pressure and is currently McLaren's best driver.
- Mitigating Risk: The championship is too volatile to rely on hope. McLaren needs a clear strategy to secure the title in Qatar, even if it means sacrificing Piastri's race.
- Piastri's Responsibility: Piastri's recent dip in form has contributed to the championship becoming a risk. He should be ready to assist if needed.
The big picture:
The F1 Drivers' Championship has seen unpredictable turns throughout the season, and McLaren's internal strategy is now under intense scrutiny. The decision whether to implement team orders or maintain a neutral stance will not only impact the immediate title fight but also shape the team's ethos and the future careers of its drivers. The pressure is on McLaren to navigate this delicate balance and secure the best possible outcome.
What's next:
Mclaren is expected to make a strategic decision before the Qatar Grand Prix, a circuit that is anticipated to suit their car. If Norris can perform strongly there, he could potentially secure the championship, rendering team orders unnecessary. However, if the fight remains tight, the team will face immense pressure to decide whether to back Norris or allow both drivers to continue competing freely, with significant implications for both driver dynamics and championship glory.