How McLaren Leads F1 Championships by Managing Drivers with Honesty

McLaren’s Formula 1 team is leading both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships this season. Oscar Piastri tops the drivers’ standings with 186 points, closely followed by teammate Lando Norris at 176 points.

McLaren also leads the constructors’ title with 362 points, more than double that of their nearest rival, Ferrari. Max Verstappen and George Russell trail with 137 and 111 points respectively, but McLaren’s duo remain firmly in control.

Handling two top drivers with championship hopes presents challenges. Team principal Andrea Stella acknowledges this, describing the process as always being tough.

Both Piastri and Norris see themselves as contenders and are unwilling to take a supporting role. Stella’s experience with Ferrari during Michael Schumacher’s era showed him the pitfalls of favoring one driver, recalling the 2002 Austrian Grand Prix controversy.

Open discussion has become a key tool for McLaren this year. The team encourages both drivers to express opinions and concerns immediately.

For instance, during Spanish Grand Prix qualifying, Norris attempted to get a slipstream from Piastri, who then cut off the tow and jokingly called Norris “cheeky.” Stella dismissed it as minor and emphasized that such discussions prevent surprises regarding team strategy.

He urged, “Don’t leave anything in the back of your mind. Anything, throw it out. Say what you think.”

This approach contrasts with problematic partnerships of the past. In 2007, internal rivalry between Hamilton and Alonso hurt McLaren despite having the fastest car.

Similarly, in 1986, Williams lost the title due to fighting between Mansell and Piquet, which allowed Alain Prost to win. McLaren aims to avoid these scenarios by clarifying expectations and treating both drivers equally.

Race briefings at McLaren focus on clarity and predictability. Stella noted that while conversations haven’t become tougher, every detail is checked when both drivers start next to each other.

The team wants Piastri and Norris to race hard while respecting team principles. So far, both have shown responsibility and stuck to the plan in close races.

As the season progresses, McLaren aims to maintain this careful balance. Expectations are high, and every race brings new challenges.

Both drivers have performed strongly under pressure, with open dialogue keeping them united in the pursuit of F1’s biggest prizes.