McLaren May Reconsider Driver Hierarchy as F1 2024 Title Race Heats Up

McLaren may consider changing their lead driver policy during the 2024 F1 season if they are competing for the championship.

McLaren has acknowledged that they might reconsider their stance on not designating a primary driver as the 2024 F1 season progresses.

Oscar Piastri secured his first grand prix win, leading his McLaren teammate Lando Norris to a one-two finish in Hungary. However, the achievement was marred by a contentious and intense dispute regarding team orders.

McLaren continuously requested Norris to return the lead to Piastri after choosing to pit him first during the final pit stops, which caused him to overtake his teammate. Despite multiple objections and intense radio communications, the British driver finally complied with three laps remaining.

Norris is currently in second place in the championship standings, trailing the defending world champion Max Verstappen by 76 points. Piastri, on the other hand, is in fifth place, 40 points behind Norris. Given that Norris is nearer to Verstappen in the rankings, there have been some opinions that McLaren should have allowed him to win to reduce the points gap.

Stella mentioned that as the championship unfolds in the next few months, it might be necessary to adopt a different approach.

Speaking to the press, including Crash.net in Hungary, he stated, "With Oscar and Lando on the team, we're fortunate enough that we don't have to designate a primary driver."

"It's a method that makes things easier for certain individuals, including myself, but it also has the potential to demoralize the entire team, dampening our drive and the fundamental principles we hold dear in racing."

"We compete honestly, and if one driver earns a good result through their own efforts, we will preserve it. However, if it's near the end of the season and one driver has a significant chance at the championship, we might reconsider this approach."

Stella, whose team has now overtaken Ferrari to secure second place in the constructors’ championship, mentioned: "However, I anticipate the other driver approaching me and offering assistance with the championship rival, should I need it."

"In my opinion, you develop a strong culture by handling days like today fairly, which I believe we have accomplished. Such situations often generate plenty of speculation and media coverage, but that's just part of the sport."

"Frankly speaking, I had a good time watching as a fan this week, witnessing the events unfold even though I wasn't part of Formula 1. That's perfectly okay."

"However, I urge everyone to understand that what we did today was simply just and fair. This is the message I want the whole McLaren team to grasp, and I also hope our supporters recognize it too."

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