Are McLaren ready to manage Norris-Piastri F1 rivalry in 2025?
F1 NewsTuesday, 11 February 2025 at 09:00
McLaren CEO Zak Brown outlined the team's approach to handling one of the most competitive, possibly explosive, driver line-ups on the grid driving what will probably be the best car
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri head into the 2025 Formula 1 season as race winners and want to be World Champions. With McLaren now a contender for both titles, Brown acknowledged the challenges of managing two fiercely competitive drivers but emphasised that transparency and fairness will be key to the teammates.
The McLaren boss made it clear that McLaren will not impose strict team orders but will ensure that both drivers adhere to internal guidelines. Reflecting on past incidents aka the 'squelchy' Papaya Rules, he admitted the team could have managed situations better, particularly at Monza.
In an interview conducted for the James Allen On F1 podcast, Brown stated: "We liked our guys to race. I think we showed that we're racers. We don't want to be a one-car team. We have rules. The drivers are very respectful of those rules.
"I look at Monza. I think we could have done a better job of communicating there. We went into Turn 4, first and second, came out first and third. Probably cost us the race. That was on us, not necessarily on the drivers, because we weren’t explicit in our instructions.
"We kind of gave them some guidelines, but I think next time around, we need to be explicit," Brown maintained.
Protecting Norris and Piastri from external pressure
![Stella: If swapping [drivers] is the right thing to do, we will do it](https://r.testifier.nl/Acbs8526SDKI/resizing_type:fit/width:1280/plain/https://s3-newsifier.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/grandprix247.com/images/2024-09/piastri-norris-monza-2-2024-6925b93d5869c.jpg@webp)
Brown also cited Norris’ decision to hand back a position to Piastri in Qatar as evidence of the mutual respect between the pair; he recalled: "Hungary ended up being the right result.
"I always knew Lando was going to give it back. He maybe waited a little bit longer than we thought he would, but he did the right thing, as he did in Qatar.
"In fact, in Qatar, we told him not to because it was such a close race, and he decided to anyway. So I think that shows the relationship and the respect they have for each other," explained Brown.
With McLaren expected to be in the thick of the title battle in 2025, Brown stressed the importance of protecting his drivers from external pressures that could disrupt their working relationship, he went on: "They get along great. Of course, they’re extremely competitive.
"I think the secret to success there is being very transparent, very fair, very balanced and communicating. So on Thursday, here's what we're looking to do this weekend.
"Sunday, once we know how qualifying has gone, here's how we're going to race together and against each other," he revealed.
Brown: Don’t take the bait
However, Brown acknowledged: "For sure, there's going to be tussles at some point, but we know how to race each other together. We won't let the media flare up the intensity. If something does happen, leave the helmet on. Let’s not talk to anyone yet.
"Relax, talk about it, and then we’ll come out. Don’t take the bait, because obviously, everyone would love to see a little bit of rivalry between the two of them. We need to protect them from the industry that might like to see a little bit of a Lando-Oscar wrestling match," reckoned the McLaren boss.
When asked who would be responsible for handling potentially tense moments between Norris and Piastri, Brown confirmed that he and team principal Andrea Stella would take charge; he said: "Very much Andrea and I on those types of issues.
"Obviously, from a technical, going-racing standpoint, we leave that to the engineers. But when it comes to relationships, how we want them to race, how we want them to conduct themselves, that's very much Andrea and I sitting down with the drivers at the start of the weekend," explained the 53-year-old American.
Brown: I at least understand mentally what it’s like to have a helmet on
Brown continued: "Then, most importantly, on race day morning, when we’ve developed a strategy. I think that’s one of the areas I like to contribute to. I’ve got a great relationship with the drivers. I love racing myself, so while I can’t do it as fast as them,
"I at least understand mentally what it’s like to have a helmet on and the emotions and passion that come with it," ventured Brown, who dabbled in professional racing in his youth before focussing on the marketing side of motorsport. He is the co-founder and co-owner of United Autosports, a sportscar and endurance racing team.
With McLaren heading into the new season as a top contender and both of its drivers aiming for individual success, the team’s ability to manage their on-track battles could be crucial in their pursuit of championship glory.
Brown with the team he built can take credit for claiming McLaren's first F1 constructors' title this century, since 1998 in fact when they did the business last year. They ended last year in Abu Dhabi with the best car, and head into the new season targeting the one we all want, the F1 Drivers' title their first since Lewis Hamilton did it for them in 2008.
But first Zak and his men have got to keep Norris and Piastri in check.
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