McLaren Confirms Priority on Lando Norris’ Championship Aspirations Over Oscar Piastri
After Closing the Gap to Max Verstappen and Red Bull, McLaren Will Prioritize Norris’ Title Bid
Tough Decision
Shocking’ F1 news from McLaren, the team has made a strategic decision that could define the remainder of their season: prioritizing Lando Norris in his quest to challenge Max Verstappen for the Formula 1 World Championship.
With just 62 points separating Norris from the championship leader and a maximum of 232 points still available, McLaren’s focus is now on supporting their rising star to close the gap. Meanwhile, Oscar Piastri, who has had a remarkable season of his own, is being asked to play a supporting role for the team’s greater good.
McLaren is backing Lando Norris as he looks to take on Max Verstappen for the F1 World Championship 🔥
But Norris has made it clear that doesn’t mean teammate Oscar Piastri will just hand him race wins 🏁#AzerbaijanGP ➡️ https://t.co/DpZ8FkeeQK pic.twitter.com/1gKSxDZpdg
— BetUS Sportsbook & Casino (@BetUS_Official) September 12, 2024
Lando Norris: McLaren’s Championship Hope
Lando Norris has been a standout performer this season, showing impressive consistency and talent that has brought McLaren back to the forefront of Formula 1. Despite starting the season behind Verstappen and Red Bull, Norris has clawed his way up the leaderboard, sitting just 62 points behind Verstappen. This gap is not insurmountable, and with eight races left in the F1 schedule, McLaren’s decision to focus their efforts on Norris could prove pivotal.
The team’s principal, Andrea Stella, has made it clear that while Norris will be the priority moving forward, McLaren remains committed to maintaining sportsmanship and fairness. “We are incredibly determined to win,” Stella explained, “but we want to win in the right way.”
With this shift, Piastri is now tasked with helping his teammate in any way possible, including potentially giving up positions if it means Norris can secure crucial points. It’s a tough ask for any driver, especially one who has performed as well as Piastri this season. But it’s a decision McLaren believes will increase their chances of dethroning Verstappen and Red Bull.
— Lando Norris (@LandoNorris) May 21, 2024
At just 24 years old, Lando Norris may be facing the usual challenges of his age, but he’s now carrying the hopes of the entire team on his shoulders.
Oscar Piastri: Rising Star Playing a Supporting Role
While the spotlight is on Norris, Oscar Piastri’s performance this season has been nothing short of spectacular. The young Australian currently sits fourth in the championship standings; F1 rumors say that Piastri aimed to take third place from Leclerc and get onto the championship podium. But now their priorities have changed.
Stella praised Piastri for his willingness to help Norris, even revealing that when asked if he would give up a victory for his teammate, Piastri replied, “It’s painful, but if it’s the right thing to do now, I will do it.”
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This level of team spirit and collaboration will be crucial as McLaren navigates the final F1 races of the season. Piastri’s ability to support Norris while continuing to secure points for the team could make all the difference in McLaren’s push for both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships.
