McLaren’s chief executive, Zak Brown, views the upcoming races as a “coin toss” between teammates Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, as they compete for supremacy in the drivers’ championship. Leading into the Hungarian Grand Prix, Piastri sits at the top of the standings, boasting a 16-point advantage over Norris after 13 races. Since the season opener in Melbourne, where Norris claimed victory and Piastri finished ninth, the margin between them has remained under 23 points.
McLaren has enjoyed a successful campaign, winning 10 races this season, with Piastri securing six victories. His impressive qualifying results further highlight his performance, leading Norris 7-6 in head-to-head qualifying sessions. Amidst their intense rivalry, the team has granted both drivers the freedom to race each other, with Brown committing to a policy of neutrality, stating that they’d prefer to forfeit the title than show partiality.
Brown acknowledged the current form of both drivers, suggesting that while Piastri may have faced some disappointment with his qualifying in Belgium, Norris comes off two victories but could have performed better in the last race. He noted that both drivers have been consistent scorers and will likely continue to contend closely for points.
Despite Max Verstappen trailing significantly in third place, Brown insists the Red Bull driver can’t be counted out yet, given that there are many races remaining in the season. He cautioned against premature celebration, reflecting on the unpredictability of the sport.
In past seasons, Norris has often been the first to receive McLaren’s upgrades and strategic advantages, but Piastri’s performance has compelled the team to reassess its dynamics. Team principal Andrea Stella commented on the minimal difference between their two drivers, attributing it to their high-performance levels and suggesting the championship’s outcome will hinge on precision and execution rather than team orders.
Both Brown and Stella emphasised the importance of driver performance and decision-making, indicating that these elements, rather than tactical interference, will ultimately determine the championship victor. Each race presents an opportunity for their competitive spirits to shine, ensuring fans can expect an exciting battle for the title as the season unfolds.