Janice R. Andrews
McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella has rejected the implementation of team orders despite Lando Norris’s ongoing championship battle with Max Verstappen. The decision reflects McLaren’s commitment to maintaining team stability and fostering a collaborative environment between its drivers.
Strategic Partnership Over Individual Success
Rather than favoring Norris over rookie Oscar Piastri, McLaren has chosen to focus on strengthening the partnership between its drivers. This approach has already shown promising results, with McLaren accumulating the highest points in the constructors’ championship since the Miami Grand Prix.
“Driver management must be viewed through the lens of car competitiveness,” Stella explained to Autosport. He emphasized that the team’s interests supersede those of any individual, including himself and both drivers.
Hungarian Grand Prix Controversy
The team’s philosophy came under scrutiny at the Hungarian Grand Prix, where some questioned why Piastri wasn’t instructed to yield his position to support Norris’s championship campaign. Stella defended the decision, arguing that such short-term tactical moves could compromise the team’s future success.
Building for the Future
“While this season’s outcome remains uncertain, our focus extends to being competitive in ’25, ’26, and ’27,” Stella stated. He believes that designating a clear number one driver could disrupt the team’s carefully cultivated balance and hamper long-term objectives.
Mutual Respect Between Drivers
Notably, even Norris himself doesn’t seek preferential treatment. The team values both drivers’ abilities to win races, and this mutual respect has contributed to a stronger, more unified team environment.
McLaren’s Recent Success
The team’s approach appears to be working, with McLaren experiencing a remarkable resurgence in performance. Since Miami, they’ve emerged as the highest-scoring team in the constructors’ championship, demonstrating the effectiveness of their collaborative strategy.
Looking Ahead
Stella remains committed to building lasting success rather than pursuing quick wins. “Our goal isn’t just about having occasional brilliant weekends,” he explained. “We’re here to establish a foundation for consistent excellence in the years ahead.”
The team’s dedication to fairness and collaboration, despite the temptation to favor one driver in the championship battle, represents a bold strategy in Formula 1’s competitive landscape. By prioritizing team harmony over immediate gains, McLaren is positioning itself for sustained success in the sport’s future.
