McLaren boss Zak Brown has not ruled out the possibility of imposing team orders on Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri during the Italian Grand Prix following the pair’s front row lockout in qualifying.
While Norris currently sits second in the Driver’s championship, 70 points behind leader Max Verstappen, McLaren is only 30 points behind Red Bull in the Constructors’ standings.
McLaren therefore finds itself weighing the benefits of allowing its drivers to race freely against the strategic advantages of managing their positions to maximize championship points.
Speaking to Sky F1 after qualifying, Brown hinted that the team's strategy discussions are ongoing and that the decision to impose team orders will be made based on how the race unfolds.
“That’s a discussion that we’ll have with Andrea [Stella],” Brown said. “First, we need to see how we qualify and now we know where we are, we can start talking through various strategies.
“We obviously have a Constructors’ Championship [to fight for]. We’ve got a Drivers’ Championship and two number one drivers, so we’ll see how things play out and keep everyone on their toes.”
Norris and Piastri were both open to the possibility of team orders but emphasized that their primary goal is to win races.
"That's our Sunday morning meeting," Norris acknowledged. "Little bits have been discussed already but we need to be free to race like it always is."
Piastri echoed Norris' sentiments, stating that the team would assess the situation as it unfolds on race day.
“I’m still going into the weekends to try and win the races,” said the Aussie.
“We are still behind in the Constructors’ championship and we want to make sure that we win that. My best contribution to that is by trying to win the race.”
Piastri further elaborated on the situation, recognizing the slim chances of catching up to Verstappen in the standings but remaining open to supporting Norris if the gap between them closes significantly.
“The gap is still very big between Lando and Max. And even for myself, it’s even bigger to Max, but it’s not impossible. So we’ll take it on a case-by-case basis every weekend.
“Of course, if the gap [between Norris and Verstappen] gets significantly smaller, and I’m not so much in the picture, then I’m aware that I could be called upon to try and help out.
“But I think with the gap, how it is at the moment, it’s still very, very early for that.
“Ultimately, I want to go out and win races as well. But I know that if I do get called upon, then I’ll be happy to help out.”
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