McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown outlined the team's approach to managing the intense championship battle between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. The strategy centers on transparency and ensuring upgrades are distributed equally between the two drivers.
Why it matters
The internal rivalry between Norris and Piastri has been exceptionally close, with only nine points separating them by the summer break. Managing this dynamic is crucial for team harmony and performance, especially as both drivers are strong contenders.
The details
- Transparency First: Brown emphasized that full transparency is maintained regarding car upgrades. If an upgrade is only available for one driver at a given race, the rationale is clearly communicated to prevent resentment.
- "Keeping Score": McLaren actively tracks who receives upgrades first to ensure fairness over time, stating, "We keep scores. 'Hey, next time we get a new development.' Or we are in a position where one driver gets the benefit, the other can't, we keep score."
- On-Track Conduct: Despite the fierce competition, the drivers have largely kept their racing clean. The only significant incident was Norris's retirement at the Canadian Grand Prix due to an unforced error.
What's next
Brown expressed confidence in both Norris and Piastri, describing them as "good guys" who are competitive yet respectful. He believes McLaren has "the best driver line-up" and anticipates the championship fight will intensify. While acknowledging that such internal battles can often "end in tears," Brown stated McLaren is not afraid of it and openly discusses potential tensions, preventing them from becoming "the elephant in the room." The team is prepared for the fight to get "tougher" as the season progresses, potentially involving more than just the two McLaren drivers in the championship hunt.