Oscar Piastri clinched his first F1 win in Hungary ahead of Lando Norris. Despite a tension-fraught Hungarian GP, Zak Brown is adamant that in Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, McLaren has a line-up that allows them to run “two number one cars.”
Emerging as Red Bull’s main challenger this season, both Norris and Piastri have recorded Grand Prix wins, placing them second and fourth in the Drivers’ Championship. This success is crucial for McLaren’s bid to challenge Red Bull in the Constructors’ standings. However, while the Constructors’ title is financially significant for the teams, the ultimate prize for the drivers is the World title. Norris currently trails Max Verstappen by 78 points, with Piastri an additional 32 points behind. At the Hungarian GP, Norris sat nearly 50 points ahead of Piastri when a controversial team order saw Norris give up his lead to Piastri, overshadowing Piastri’s maiden Grand Prix victory.
The decision prompted widespread discussion about McLaren’s strategy for managing two strong drivers. Zak Brown, McLaren’s CEO, has downplayed the potential challenges, stating that both drivers understand they are treated equally and respect the team’s decisions when concessions are needed. Brown emphasized that McLaren has always operated with a policy of running two number one cars, and this approach will continue. However, he acknowledged that as the championship progresses, they might need to make strategic adjustments if one driver has a better shot at the title.
Team Principal Andrea Stella faced his first major test of managing this dynamic in Budapest. Brown believes the team’s culture, characterized by fair play and aggressive pursuit of performance, will help navigate any potential conflicts. Brown remarked, “Relationships, communication, and the two individuals that we have… They both want to be number ones and they are both number ones. We just don’t have any number twos.” His confidence in the drivers’ ability to remain respectful and professional underscores McLaren’s optimistic outlook for maintaining harmony within the team.
Looking ahead, McLaren’s balancing act between Norris and Piastri will be a focal point as they push for the championship. The team’s approach to fair play and equal treatment will undoubtedly be tested, but Brown remains confident in the team’s capacity to handle the pressure. As he stated, “We treat them equally. They know that, they enjoy that, and they respect our decisions when we sometimes need to make some concessions. They’re very respectful of that.” This philosophy will be crucial as McLaren continues its pursuit of Red Bull and the coveted titles in the F1 world.
Zak Brown’s assertions highlight McLaren’s commitment to fair play and equal treatment for its drivers. As the season progresses, the team’s ability to manage this unique dynamic will be crucial in their quest for championship glory.
