McLaren CEO Zak Brown is convinced that the team now has the structure in place to deal with two “number one” Formula 1 drivers in Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
Both Norris and Piastri have claimed their maiden F1 victories this term and contributed to a streak which has seen McLaren register 10 consecutive podium finishes.
The Woking-based squad has capitalised on two drivers delivering on an equal level to eradicate the gap to Red Bull, which has a struggling Sergio Perez, to 42 points.
But while that has been a boost to McLaren’s Constructors’ prospects, there have been indications that it could result in heightened on-track tension between the two.
Piastri’s debut F1 win at the Hungaroring was overshadowed as Norris, who lost the lead at the start, deliberated over a team order to let his team-mate back through.
However, Brown has insisted that the culture that’s been cultivated under Andrea Stella’s tenure will ensure that a repeat situation is minimised with Norris and Piastri.
Asked why he thinks having equal driver status will work for McLaren now, Brown told Autosport: “Relationships, communication, and the two individuals that we have.
“I mean, make no mistake about it. They both want to be number ones and they are both number ones. We just don’t have any number twos.
“But they race for the team. They’re the types of individuals I think can race each other hard and be number one in their own mind and respect the fact that we run two number one cars.
“And we always have and always will.”
Brown has reiterated that McLaren could choose to prioritise one driver’s hopes over the other should the situation in the Drivers’ Championship demand that change.
But with Piastri 32 points behind Norris, who has a 78-point gap to Max Verstappen, the American has admitted McLaren won’t entertain that discussion at this stage.
“Obviously, if you get later into the championship and one driver has more of a shot than another, then you might start looking at things that you do strategically differently,” he said.
“But we treat them equally. They know that, they enjoy that, and they respect our decisions when we sometimes need to make some concessions.
“They’re very respectful of that. So I think we’re fortunate and lucky to have the two individuals that we have.”
Asked whether managing Norris and Piastri will be the sternest test McLaren’s new regime has faced, Brown replied: “I think cultures kind of build themselves.
“You set the direction and tone, but then you can’t force it.
“Andrea and I, and everyone here, we’re racers. We’re fair, we’re pretty aggressive in our pursuit for performance. But in a fair, not win-at-all-costs way.
“I think that’s how the team is as well, so it’s a great garage environment.”
