Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris have affirmed McLaren's commitment to a flexible strategy approach, even as the championship battle intensifies. The drivers discussed the team's tactical freedom following the Hungarian Grand Prix, where Norris's one-stop gamble proved pivotal.
Why it matters
McLaren is vying for its first Drivers' Championship since 2008, with Piastri currently leading the standings. Maintaining strategic flexibility is seen as crucial for maximizing performance and adapting to race conditions, but also introduces complexities in managing the championship.
The big picture
The discussion comes after Lando Norris successfully employed a one-stop strategy in Budapest, allowing him to leapfrog Piastri and secure a vital win. This move, which Norris described as a decision to avoid simply following others, significantly shifted the championship momentum.
- Piastri's perspective: The championship leader acknowledged that the 'second car' or the last car in a group often has less to lose, justifying the freedom to diverge tactically. He stated that internal discussions after Hungary reinforced McLaren's stance on alternating strategies rather than changing it.
- Norris's perspective: Norris echoed Piastri, emphasizing that Budapest was an 'outlier' and his decision was primarily aimed at re-entering podium contention. Both drivers expressed a desire to avoid overly strict rules, allowing them to race individually and improve.
What's next
McLaren will continue to allow its drivers the freedom to choose alternating strategies when race situations permit. This flexible approach will be vital as Piastri aims to defend his 97-point lead over Max Verstappen in the championship, with the Dutch Grand Prix next on the calendar.