McLaren To Discuss Change In Team Order Rules As Stella Admits Norris Is In Best Position

Monday, 02 September 2024 at 16:07

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella said that after the 2024 Italian Grand Prix, his team would have to revisit the rules of engagement between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

With only eight Grand Prix weekends to go until the end of the season (following the Italian Grand Prix), McLaren is in a great spot to potentially win both Championships—something they would not even dare dream about at the start of the season.

As it stands, McLaren is only eight points behind Red Bull Racing in the Constructors Championship, and if they maintain their current level of performance, they might very likely win it.

What is more tricky is the situation in the drivers' Championship. Norris needs to close the gap on Max Verstappen by more than seven points on average every weekend, and if he is to do so, he might need help from his teammate.

Help is not exactly what he got during the Italian Grand Prix, where Oscar Piastri risked a very close overtake around the outside on the opening lap, which resulted in Lando Norris losing two positions.

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After the race, the 24-year-old let it be known that he wasn't happy with what happened on the opening lap. Should McLaren set Norris as their number-one driver from now on to ensure the highest chances of winning both championships? Andrea Stella told the media:

"Both drivers are mathematically in contention to do so, but Lando is obviously in the best position from a numbers point of view."

"We are fighting Max Verstappen so if we want to support one driver, we definitely have to pick the one that is in the best position."

"Already in our conversations before the race, we acknowledged that Lando is in the best position from a drivers' championship point of view, so we will have conversations with Oscar, with Lando and together and then define our rules of engagement."

The team principal didn't outright confirm that Norris would become a number one driver, but there is clearly going to be some conversation ahead of the last eight race weekends of the season. What do you think they should do?