McLaren will prioritize Lando Norris over teammate Oscar Piastri in their bid to challenge Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in the Formula One championship, according to team principal Andrea Stella. Norris is currently second in the standings, trailing Verstappen by 62 points, while Piastri is fourth and 106 points behind. With 232 points still up for grabs, McLaren is also closing in on Red Bull in the constructors' race, sitting just eight points behind.
Stella emphasized that while they are determined to win, McLaren aims to do so with fairness and integrity. He stated that the team would offer more support to Norris, but would not compromise on sportsmanship or fairness to Piastri. The team’s principles remain centered on putting the overall team interests first and maintaining a balanced approach for both drivers.
Reflecting on the Monza Grand Prix, Stella admitted that McLaren’s approach had left them vulnerable, as Norris lost out to Ferrari's Charles Leclerc after a strategic mishap. He stressed that similar situations need to be avoided in future races to give McLaren the best chance of success in both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships.
Stella praised the collaborative attitude of both drivers, noting that even Piastri was willing to sacrifice a potential victory for the team’s overall benefit. He highlighted Piastri's acceptance of the team’s decision-making process, which shows their united approach moving forward.
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