McLaren Stands Firm: Championship Fight remains a Two-Driver Affair
The Formula 1 World Championship heads to Qatar with a thrillingly open Drivers’ title race, but McLaren is resolute in its approach: both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will be allowed to compete freely for the championship. Despite external pressure and the potential for strategic team orders, the team’s leadership has confirmed no change in policy is anticipated.
This decision comes as McLaren enjoys a remarkably prosperous season, having secured 13 race wins compared to Red Bull’s six. While Max Verstappen has dominated for Red Bull, claiming all of his team’s victories, McLaren’s success has been a shared effort. Lando Norris has secured seven wins, with Oscar Piastri contributing six to the team’s tally.
A Season of Equal Opportunity
Throughout the year, McLaren has consistently allowed both drivers to race without constraints, fostering a competitive environment. this approach has clearly paid dividends, placing them in a strong position with just two races remaining.
Although Piastri’s championship hopes have diminished since his victory at the Dutch Grand Prix, his chances aren’t entirely extinguished. Team Principal andrea Stella emphasized that the team will maintain its current strategy provided that the mathematical possibility of a Piastri championship remains.
“We have always said that as long as the maths does not say otherwise, we would leave it up to the two drivers to fight for their chance at the final victory, and that is how it will be in Qatar,” Stella stated. He further highlighted the team’s satisfaction with their current position, adding, “Let’s not forget that if someone had told us at the start of the season that we would find ourselves in this situation with two races to go, we would have signed up for it!”
Drivers united in Their Approach
Piastri himself echoed the team’s stance during media day at the Qatar Grand Prix. When questioned about potentially assisting Norris against Verstappen,he was direct: “We’ve had a very brief discussion on it and the answer is ’no’.”
He clarified his own position, stating, “I’m still equal on points with Max and I’ve got a decent shot of still winning it if things go my way, and that’s how we’ll play it.” This demonstrates a shared commitment to maximizing individual opportunities.
Constructors’ Champions, Focused on Drivers’ Glory
McLaren has already clinched the Constructors’ Championship, a testament to the team’s overall performance and development. This victory marks a successful defense of the title they won in the previous season.
However,the team’s ambition doesn’t stop there.They are now focused on securing the Drivers’ Championship, aiming for a rare double victory. Verstappen, simultaneously occurring, is attempting to emulate his 2023 success by winning the Drivers’ title despite his team losing the Constructors’ battle.
Should Verstappen ultimately prevail, McLaren would become only the second team in Formula 1 history to win back-to-back Constructors’ Championships without simultaneously claiming the Drivers’ title. Ferrari achieved this feat in 1982 and 1983.
Ultimately, McLaren’s decision reflects a belief in its drivers and a commitment to fostering a competitive spirit. You can expect a thrilling conclusion to the season as both Norris and Piastri push for the ultimate prize, with the team backing their efforts every step of the way.
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