Lando Norris recently clinched his third victory in four Grands Prix at the Hungaroring, narrowing the gap to his teammate and championship leader Oscar Piastri. Despite the intensifying rivalry, Norris clarifies that McLaren's primary focus remains firmly on the Constructors' Championship.
Why it matters:
The recent run of success for McLaren, particularly with Norris's victory in Hungary and Piastri's strong performance, has elevated the team into a competitive position for both the Drivers' and Constructors' titles. However, Norris's statement underscores a strategic team-first approach, prioritizing the overall team success over individual driver ambitions, which is crucial for team morale and long-term goals.
The details:
- Hungary Strategy: Norris secured victory in Hungary by opting for a one-stop strategy, while Piastri was on a two-stop. This strategic divergence allowed Norris to cross the finish line first, marking a pivotal moment in his championship pursuit.
- Team Approach: Norris emphasized that McLaren's team approach remained unchanged despite the summer break and recent successes. He described the Budapest race as "a bit of an outlier," stating his pit strategy decision was not initially aimed at winning but at overtaking George Russell.
- Driver Rivalry: Norris acknowledged that both he and Piastri, as drivers, prefer not to be "overly strict" and want the freedom to race. Discussions and reviews are standard after every race to fine-tune their approach.
- Constructors' Priority: With only nine points separating Norris and Piastri in the Drivers' standings, Norris explicitly stated that the Constructors' Championship is the "priority at this point." This goal aims to secure McLaren's standing against other top teams.
What's next:
McLaren will continue to navigate the delicate balance between fostering healthy driver competition and achieving their overarching team objective. The focus will be on maximizing points for the Constructors' Championship in the upcoming races, requiring both drivers to perform at their peak while adhering to team strategies.