McLaren has made a significant strategic decision in their Formula 1 championship campaign, announcing that they will prioritize support for Lando Norris over teammate Oscar Piastri. Team principal Andrea Stella confirmed this shift, emphasizing the team’s commitment to winning ‘in the right way’ while maintaining their principles of fairness and sportsmanship.Norris, currently second in the drivers’ standings, trails leader Max Verstappen by 62 points with 232 points still available in the championship. This decision comes as Red Bull’s dominance appears to be waning, with the team failing to secure a win in their last six races.Stella explained the team’s approach: ‘The overall concept is we are incredibly determined to win, but we want to win in the right way. We will bias our support to Lando but we want to do it without too much compromise on our principles’. He added that the team’s interests always come first, followed by sportsmanship and fairness to both drivers.The decision was influenced by recent events, particularly the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, where team dynamics potentially cost McLaren a victory. In that race, Piastri overtook Norris on the opening lap, allowing Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc to split the McLarens and ultimately win the race.Piastri has accepted the team’s decision, with Stella revealing, ‘I asked Oscar if he was willing to give up a win, and he said, ‘It’s painful, but if it’s the right thing to do, then I’ll do it”. The team will reassess their approach after the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku.Meanwhile, the championship battle intensifies as McLaren closes in on Red Bull in the constructors’ standings, now just eight points behind. With Verstappen’s lead narrowing and Red Bull facing challenges, the final European Grand Prix of the season in Baku could prove crucial in shaping the championship’s direction.
Key points
- McLaren has decided to prioritize Lando Norris over Oscar Piastri in their Formula 1 championship bid.
- Norris is currently 62 points behind leader Max Verstappen with 232 points still available.
- Red Bull’s dominance appears to be declining, having failed to win in their last six races.
- The decision was influenced by the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, where team dynamics potentially cost McLaren a victory.
