McLaren’s Strategic Shift: Team Orders to Propel Lando Norris in F1 Title Pursuit

McLaren makes significant reversal, now prioritizes Lando Norris with team orders

McLaren plans to implement team orders to support Lando Norris' pursuit of the F1 championship in the final races of the 2024 season.

The British team has been hesitant to prioritize one driver over the other this season. They have only implemented 'Papaya Rules,' McLaren's guidelines for their drivers to compete against each other without taking any risks.

In light of Norris reducing Max Verstappen's lead in the championship to 62 points in recent weeks, McLaren team boss Andrea Stella has stated that the British driver will now be given precedence over his teammate Oscar Piastri, who currently sits in fourth place in the standings, trailing Verstappen by 106 points.

"The main idea is that we are extremely committed to achieving victory, but we aim to do it ethically," Stella mentioned to BBC Sport. "We will give priority to supporting Lando, but we intend to maintain our core values throughout."

"Our core values prioritize the team's needs above all else. Integrity in competition is crucial in our racing approach. Additionally, we strive to treat both drivers equitably."

McLaren announced that they would reconsider their policy on team orders following their decision not to intervene during a first-lap duel between Norris and Piastri at the most recent Italian Grand Prix.

The McLaren pair secured the top two spots on the starting grid at Monza, but Piastri and Norris battled for position during the first lap, ultimately allowing Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc to take the victory.

Stella clarified that the team wants to avoid scenarios similar to Monza, where they enter a chicane in first and second place but come out in first and third place, as this negatively impacts the team.

The team's priorities are the most important, and we need to address these issues first and foremost. Ultimately, our approach to the race in Monza created an opportunity for this situation to arise.

"Following the Monza event, our three main goals are to ensure that all on-track incidents do not negatively impact the team."

"Second goal: what strategies can we use to secure both championship titles, with both drivers dedicated to assisting?"

"However, we aim to avoid achieving victory through reckless means."

"These three subjects outline how we approach racing in Baku. An update will follow the Baku event."

Stella mentioned that Piastri supports McLaren's choice while emphasizing that the primary goal for the team is to secure the constructors’ championship. Currently, McLaren trails Red Bull by only eight points, with eight races left in the season.

"The discussions have involved a lot of teamwork," he mentioned.

When I asked Oscar, "Would you be willing to forfeit a win?" he responded, "It hurts, but if it's the right thing to do at this moment, I'll do it."

"Each driver is inherently driven to aim for a win. Therefore, I am consistently amazed by the degree of teamwork, maturity, and cooperation we have observed during this time."

Discover More

Sign up for our F1 Newsletter

Receive the freshest F1 updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers straight to your email.

For further details, please refer to our Privacy Policy

Breaking News

Additional Updates

Site Directory

Crash.Net

©1999-2024 Crash Media Group

It is prohibited to reproduce any part or the entire content of text, photos, or illustrations in any manner.