McLaren Vows to Continue Equal Driver Policy After 2025 Title Win

McLaren CEO Zak Brown has affirmed that the team will maintain its policy of giving both drivers equal opportunities to fight for the championship. This approach, which allowed Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to battle for the 2025 title, will remain the team's fundamental philosophy despite the pressures of a title fight and the team's recent success.

Why it matters:

McLaren's decision stands in stark contrast to traditional F1 strategies, where team orders are often imposed to secure a constructors' or drivers' championship. By succeeding with a "let them race" philosophy, the team has demonstrated that a culture of trust and internal competition can be a winning formula, potentially reshaping how other teams approach driver management in high-stakes seasons.

The details:

• CEO Zak Brown stated the team is "definitely committed to giving both drivers equal opportunity to win the world championship," emphasizing this is a fundamental principle that will not change.
• The philosophy was tested during the season, notably at the Italian GP where Piastri was asked to cede position to Norris after a slow pit stop, a move the team framed as maintaining fairness rather than a traditional team order.
• Brown highlighted a culture of constant evaluation, recalling an extensive debrief after their 1-2 finish in Spain to analyze "eight things that were close calls that we could have done better."
• This approach remained consistent even when Max Verstappen and Red Bull mounted a late-season challenge, demonstrating the team's commitment to its principles under pressure.

Looking Ahead:

With this philosophy now embedded in the team's DNA, McLaren enters the 2026 season with a clear and proven strategy. This approach should foster continued driver motivation and loyalty from both Norris and Piastri as they aim to defend their title. While the team will continue to learn and evolve, their commitment to fair play has become a core part of their identity, potentially giving them a unique competitive and cultural advantage on the grid.