After Lando Norris’s impressive victory at the Dutch Grand Prix, reducing Max Verstappen’s lead in the drivers’ championship to 70 points, the conversation has naturally shifted to whether McLaren will begin to treat Norris as their leading driver. With nine races remaining, this question looms large as the team heads into the Italian Grand Prix.
Andrea Stella, McLaren’s Team Principal, has been cautious about labeling Norris as the team’s “number one” driver. He emphasized that McLaren always roots its approach in fairness and integrity and that the team would make any decisions regarding driver priority with those principles in mind. Stella suggests that performance on the track will ultimately determine how the team moves forward, rather than setting a hierarchy from the start.
Norris has undoubtedly positioned himself as a strong contender for the championship, but McLaren has maintained an equal footing between Norris and Oscar Piastri throughout the season. This balance has sparked questions about whether the team will shift its focus more toward supporting Norris as the season progresses. Stella believes that instead of declaring a number one driver, the team should allow the on-track results to guide their decisions. This way, both drivers can compete on merit, and the team will make any adjustments based on the race circumstances.
Looking ahead, Stella mentioned that should a situation arise where McLaren needs to favor one driver to optimize their chances for the championship, the team would approach the matter with transparency and communication. He implied that the team would make such decisions in collaboration with both drivers, ensuring that everyone aligns and works towards winning the championship.
Oscar Piastri, currently fourth in the standings and trailing Norris by 46 points, is still in the mix. With 258 points still up for grabs in the remaining races and sprints, McLaren’s strategy will be crucial. Stella hinted that while McLaren values teamwork, they would not simply designate a number one driver; instead, they will adapt based on the evolving race scenarios.
As McLaren gears up for the Italian Grand Prix, fans will be watching closely to see how the team manages its two talented drivers and whether Norris can continue his push for the title.
