McLaren prepared too Prioritize Drivers’ Championship Contender in Abu Dhabi Finale
McLaren Racing CEO zak Brown has affirmed the team’s commitment to maximizing its chances in the Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship, even if it means favoring one driver over the other in the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This declaration comes as both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri remain mathematically in contention for the title.
Brown acknowledged the current points gap between the two drivers, but emphasized that both will begin the weekend with an equal prospect. However, he made it clear that the team will act decisively if the race unfolds in a way that clearly favors one driver’s championship aspirations.
“We’re coming into the weekend knowing that [Norris and Piastri] both have equal opportunity, even though there’s obviously a point spread,” Brown stated. “you don’t know how qualifying is going to go, reliability, but if we get into the race and it’s becoming pretty clear that one has a chance and the other doesn’t, we’re going to do what we can to win the Drivers’ Championship.It would be crazy not to.”
Team Unity Above All
Brown dismissed any concerns about potential backlash should team orders ultimately influence the championship outcome. He underscored the collaborative nature of Formula 1, framing it as a team sport where collective success takes precedence.
“It’s a team sport, right?” Brown explained. “So, we’re trying to win the Constructors’ (title) as a team and we’re trying to win the Drivers’ as a team.”
He believes both drivers understand and embrace this philosophy,prioritizing the team’s overall success. “I know that kind of sounds a bit strange, but if one of them can’t win, they wont the other to win. And that’s what the team wants. And they are team players and we’ve already seen that last year, right?”
A History of Collaboration
Team orders aren’t a new topic for McLaren. Last season’s Hungarian Grand Prix saw Norris willingly cede position to Piastri, demonstrating a willingness to prioritize the team’s strategic goals. Brown is confident that both drivers will continue to operate within the team’s framework.
“Yes, our drivers have always complied with team wishes just as we comply with their wishes,” Brown asserted. “I’ve got there’s no doubt whatsoever either of our drivers will continue to race as they’ve done brilliantly in the best interest of the team.”
Practice Sets the Stage
The opening practice session at the Abu Dhabi Grand prix saw Norris set the fastest time. Meanwhile,Piastri sat out the session,with Pato O’Ward taking the wheel to fulfill McLaren’s final rookie practice requirement for the season.
this strategic move allows mclaren to gather valuable data while adhering to Formula 1 regulations. As the weekend progresses,all eyes will be on how McLaren manages its two championship contenders and whether team orders will play a decisive role in determining the ultimate outcome of the 2023 Formula 1 season.
Keep reading