McLaren CEO Zak Brown has expressed confidence that teammates Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris will maintain a harmonious relationship despite their fierce competition for the championship title. Fourteen races into the Formula 1 season, Piastri currently leads the drivers’ standings, holding a slender nine-point edge over Norris. The dynamic between the two drivers has been stable, with the points difference not exceeding 23 since the season opener in Melbourne, where Norris claimed victory while Piastri finished ninth.
This season has seen McLaren achieve 11 Grand Prix wins, with Piastri contributing six. However, Norris heads into the mid-season break with a recent victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix. The team is allowing both drivers to compete freely, as they believe that their rivalry will be advantageous for everyone if grounded in mutual respect and professionalism.
Brown remarked, “I don’t think they’ll properly fall out because of the communication, trust, and respect we all have,” emphasising the positive rapport between the two drivers. He feels fortunate to have them on the team and believes their competitive spirit is beneficial. Brown is looking forward to the ongoing rivalry, noting that both drivers have expressed no grievances about each other.
Despite the inevitable tense moments as the season progresses, Brown has confidence in both drivers, citing their commitment to fair racing. He recalled an incident during the Canadian Grand Prix where Norris accidentally clipped Piastri while overtaking. Norris accepted full responsibility, and Brown remarked that no similar deliberate acts would occur in the future.
At the recent Hungarian Grand Prix, Piastri attempted aggressive overtakes on Norris, showcasing their accelerating rivalry. Still, their sealed communication suggests that they are adept at managing the competitive aspects of their relationship. McLaren’s plan is to address any potential tensions swiftly, maintaining a healthy and open dialogue.
With both drivers on long-term contracts, Brown highlighted the importance of their relationship not just for this season but for future campaigns as well. He stated that as they will be racing together for years to come, the foundation they build now will be crucial for team success.
As the F1 season resumes with ten races left, including the Dutch Grand Prix at the end of the month, McLaren hopes that the dynamic between Piastri and Norris continues to flourish, ensuring both competitiveness and camaraderie.