McLaren’s Dynamic Duo: Team Orders and Championship Ambitions Amid Norris-Piastri Rivalry

McLaren clarifies team orders between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in Singapore

McLaren leader reveals key aspects of revised team orders strategy

McLaren will revise their team directives for each race, according to Zak Brown, with team principal Andrea Stella responsible for making the key decisions.

The 'Papaya rules' are being scrutinized as McLaren surpassed Red Bull in the constructors' championship standings, and Lando Norris is gaining on Max Verstappen in the drivers' rankings.

McLaren currently does not acknowledge either Lando Norris or his teammate Oscar Piastri as their top driver. Nonetheless, they have suggested that this approach might change, especially with significant rewards available.

CEO Brown has confirmed that the detailed instructions will be revised for each grand prix.

"I was listening to an interview with Ron Dennis," he mentioned to Sky Sports. "He explained that the team's responsibility is to secure the constructors' championship, while the driver's role is to clinch the drivers' championship. That's our objective."

"We will take any actions possible to assist Lando, be it through strategy…"

"We don't want to jeopardize Oscar's performance since he's having a fantastic season and is in his own competition."

"We will take any measures necessary to assist Lando."

“We are approaching it one race at a time.”

“We have two excellent drivers who have the potential to win races. It’s a delicate balance.

"The guidelines for Papaya are: understand who your partner is, assist your partner, and compete against your partner with intensity but fairness."

Should Piastri allow Norris to pass?

Brown was questioned about a hypothetical scenario where McLaren holds the top two positions in the Singapore Grand Prix, with Piastri leading. He was asked if, in such a case, Piastri would be instructed to give up the win to Norris.

Brown responded, "That decision will be up to Andrea."

“Letting go of a victory in a race is a very challenging task. It's a significant request for a grand prix racer.”

"Lando aims to clinch the championship title, and he hopes to do so fairly."

“If Oscar goes out and wins it, I'm not certain Lando would want to receive a victory like that.”

Norris trails Verstappen by 59 points, yet he is driving the quicker car at the moment.

Piastri holds the fourth position in the rankings, trailing 91 points behind the leading Verstappen.

Brown maintains that Piastri is still in the running for the championship: "From a mathematical standpoint, absolutely."

"The difference in performance between Lando and Max can only be bridged with exceptional weekends and a bit of misfortune."

"One of the difficulties is that the driver isn't trailing Lando by a significant distance."

"For that reason, we will approach each race individually. What is the situation?"

"If Max experiences a Did Not Finish, it results in a large gain of points, which is one situation. When the clock starts, that's another situation."

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