McLaren Blocks Out 'Favouritism' and 'Sabotage' Claims

Amidst recent fluctuations in performance between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, McLaren team principal Andrea Stella emphasizes a focus on facts to navigate external 'noise' regarding alleged favoritism or sabotage. With only one point separating the two drivers and Max Verstappen closing in, the team is committed to maintaining absolute fairness and keeping both drivers focused on their performance.

Why it matters:

• McLaren's consistent commitment to driver equality is central to its team philosophy, aiming for a fair fight even if it means sacrificing an advantage against rivals.
• Unfounded accusations of favoritism or sabotage can create internal discord and distract from the primary goal of securing championship points.
• Maintaining a positive and focused environment is crucial for both drivers, especially as they contend for top positions and face increasing external pressure.

The details:

• Performance Swings: Oscar Piastri's recent dip in form allowed Lando Norris to overcome a 34-point deficit after Zandvoort, leading to Norris now holding a one-point advantage.
• Fan Outcry: Social media has seen an increase in fan speculation suggesting Norris is the favored driver due to his longer tenure with McLaren and contributions during tougher years.
• Sabotage Claims: The extent of Piastri's performance drop-off has even led to baseless claims of sabotage, with Jos Verstappen advising Piastri and his manager, Mark Webber, to seek answers from the team.
• Stella's Approach: Andrea Stella focuses on facts, distinguishing them from 'noise' to ensure clarity in all conversations, including with the drivers. He highlights McLaren's long-standing commitment to fairness, equality, and sportsmanship between its drivers.
• Piastri's Rebuttal: Piastri himself has dismissed sabotage claims, stating that the reasons for his recent struggles are clear and explainable, attributing them to driving nuances rather than team interference.

What's next:

• Piastri's strong performance in Friday practice in Brazil, where he set the second-fastest time, indicates a return to his natural driving style.
• Stella believes Piastri is once again 'in tune with the car,' suggesting that recent challenges were due to specific grip conditions and driving requirements that were 'unnatural' for him.
• McLaren's leadership continues to foster open dialogue and maintain focus on individual performance, believing that neither driver is succumbing to the pressure of the championship fight.