Why it matters: McLaren's intensifying intra-team battle between Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris has prompted warnings from Martin Brundle and CEO Zak Brown: team interests must prevail.
The big picture: Despite a harmonious season, the escalating championship stakes raise concerns about potential on-track incidents. Minor past contacts exist, but no major clashes.
What they're saying:
- Martin Brundle: Warns of "payback" if drivers "hurt the team," emphasizing clear ground rules for hard but clean racing.
- Zak Brown: Expects "swapping paint" but trusts it won't be deliberate. He plans discussions with drivers on managing the championship outcome.
- Andrea Stella: Insists drivers will decide the title, highlighting the team's "robust framework" designed to handle increasing pressure.
The details:
- Piastri leads Norris by nine points.
- Norris recently secured three of four 1-2 finishes.
- Past incidents: Norris clipping Piastri in Canada (retirement), Piastri's "too far" move on Norris in Austria.
- McLaren's "papaya rules" mandate clean, contact-free racing.
- Team demonstrated non-interference by allowing drivers strategy input, leading to Norris's winning one-stop against Piastri's two-stop.
What's next: As the season nears its end, increased pressure on Piastri and Norris will test McLaren's current team harmony.