The 2024 season marked a notable step forward for McLaren, which has seen impressive growth thanks to the development of its car, the MCL38. After a final 2023 in which signs of improvement could already be seen, the Woking team managed to materialize its progress, becoming one of the most competitive teams in the championship. The fruits of this work were seen in the first races, where McLaren reaped significant results, including the first career successes for its two young talents, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. McLaren CEO Zak Brown is convinced that the key to this growth lies not only in the development of the single-seater, but also in the balanced management of its two drivers, Norris and Piastri.
Two top riders for a common goal
In a recent interview with Motorsport, Brown stated that McLaren does not have a “number two driver”. “They both want to be number one and they are. We have no number two,” Brown said, stressing the importance of treating Norris and Piastri as equals, allowing them to compete without established hierarchies.
This approach, according to Brown, not only strengthens internal competitiveness, but also team cohesion, creating an environment in which both drivers can best express their potential. “They are the kind of people who I think can race each other hard and be number one in their own minds, respecting the fact that we have two number one cars,” he added.
Norris chases Verstappen: a possible dream?
Managing two top drivers could take McLaren to new heights, especially considering Lando Norris' position in the drivers' championship. With his victory in Miami, Norris proved that he is capable of challenging the best, cementing his status as Max Verstappen's main rival. Currently second in the standings, Norris is 78 points behind the Dutchman, but with an ever-evolving car and ten races still to go, his ambitions are far from unrealistic.
However, the road to the top will not be without obstacles. McLaren will have to carefully manage the dynamics between Norris and Piastri, especially if the situation in the championship requires strategic decisions. “Obviously, if you get later in the championship and one driver has more chances than another, then you can start to look at things to do strategically differently,” Brown acknowledged.
For now, however, McLaren's approach remains to treat both drivers equally, hoping that this philosophy can lead to exceptional results for both the team and its drivers. “The garage environment is fantastic,” concluded Brown, underlining his confidence in the team's future.
