Norris Crowned Champion in Hypothetical Scenario as Brown Defends McLaren's Approach

Lando Norris clinched the drivers' championship by two points over Max Verstappen with a crucial third-place finish at Abu Dhabi, while Verstappen took the race win. McLaren CEO Zak Brown declared the double championship triumph—securing both constructors' and drivers' titles—a vindication of the team's commitment to equal treatment of Norris and Oscar Piastri throughout the season.

Why it matters:

This hypothetical outcome underscores how McLaren's controversial decision to treat both drivers equally—even during critical moments like Monza—ultimately delivered unprecedented success. In a sport where team orders often dictate outcomes, McLaren's approach proves championship contention can coexist with driver fairness, potentially reshaping team strategies across the grid.

The details:

• Norris secured the title through consistent performance rather than race wins, surviving intense pressure from Charles Leclerc who threatened his podium position throughout Abu Dhabi.
• Brown highlighted the team's resilience during "terrifying moments" late in the season, crediting flawless pit stops and strategic calls for navigating high-stakes scenarios.
• Equal Treatment Philosophy: Despite criticism after incidents like Monza, McLaren maintained identical resource allocation for both drivers—a stance Brown called "the right way to go racing."
  • This approach survived scrutiny when Piastri's father publicly dismissed favoritism claims, reinforcing team unity.
• Critical Race Moments: Norris overcame significant challenges including:
  • A prolonged battle with Leclerc's Ferrari
  • An off-track overtake against Yuki Tsunoda that triggered a five-second penalty for the AlphaTauri driver
• Brown specifically praised Verstappen's competitiveness, noting "this Max guy is pretty hard to beat"—acknowledging the Dutch driver's five consecutive wins post-summer break that intensified the championship battle.

What's next:

While this scenario remains fictional, its implications resonate in real-world F1 strategy discussions. McLaren's hypothetical success could pressure other teams to reconsider rigid team-order policies, particularly with the 2026 regulations emphasizing closer competition. The real test comes in 2025 when Norris and Piastri's partnership faces another season of championship pressure—where Brown's philosophy will either cement McLaren's legacy or invite renewed criticism should tensions emerge. As Brown concluded: "We let them race to the end," a mantra that may define modern F1 team management if proven sustainable.