McLaren has decided to focus its efforts on maximizing Lando Norris’ points haul for the rest of the 2024 Formula 1 season. Teammate Oscar Piastri is expected to help.
As they aim to win both championships this year.
“We (will) bias our support to Lando but we want to do it without too much compromise on our principles,” said team principal Andrea Stella in an interview with BBC’s Andrew Benson.
Stella emphasized the team’s values, stating, “Our principles are that the team interest always comes first. Sportsmanship for us is important in the overall way we go racing. And then we want to be fair to both drivers.”
Norris Chasing Championship Leader
Norris currently trails Red Bull’s Max Verstappen by 62 points heading into the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with just eight races remaining on the 2024 F1 calendar. Piastri, meanwhile, sits fourth in the standings, 20 points behind Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and 44 points behind his McLaren teammate.
In recent races, Norris has significantly closed the gap on Verstappen, as Red Bull has struggled to keep the pace set by McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes. This uptick in McLaren’s performance has bolstered the team’s hopes for both the driver’s and constructor’s titles.
Piastri On Board with the Decision
Stella confirmed that Piastri is aligned with the team’s strategy, describing their discussions as “collaborative.”
“Even when I said to Oscar: ‘Would you be available to give up a victory?’ He said: ‘It’s painful, but if it’s the right thing to do now, I will do it,’” Stella explained.
Stella praised Piastri’s professionalism, acknowledging how difficult it can be for any driver to sacrifice personal success.
“Every driver is hard-wired to go for a victory. So I am always very impressed by the level of team spirit and maturity and collaboration that we found in this period.”
Norris Prefers to Win on Merit
Despite the team orders, Norris made it clear that he wants to earn the championship through his own merit, rather than being handed the title.
“I don’t want to be given a championship,” Norris told BBC’s Benson. “Yes, it would be great to have a championship, and short term you feel amazing, but I don’t think you’d be proud of that in the long run. It’s not how I want to win a championship.”
McLaren is also aiming for its first constructor’s championship since 1998 and currently sits eight points behind Red Bull in the standings as the F1 circus heads to Baku.
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