P1racenews AI automatic summary:
McLaren’s decision to bias its handling of races towards Lando Norris and aid his outside F1 title bid will be managed on a case-by-case basis rather than with specific rules – which means he won’t be guaranteed to win every time the team’s in position to do so
McLaren has decided to prioritize Lando Norris for the remainder of the 2024 Formula 1 season, aiming to support his challenge against Max Verstappen, although this will be managed on a case-by-case basis without specific rules. The team has urged Norris’s teammate, Oscar Piastri, to assist Norris in his pursuit of the drivers’ championship title. McLaren’s primary focus is still on the constructors’ championship, as they are just eight points behind Red Bull, while Norris is 62 points behind Verstappen. However, McLaren has reconsidered its strategy due to Red Bull’s recent struggles and believes Norris has a real chance of catching Verstappen with eight races left in the season.
Piastri has accepted his supporting role in the team’s strategy, acknowledging the bigger picture beyond his own interests. McLaren has engaged in discussions with both drivers regarding their future race management, with a decision to prioritize Norris while maintaining flexibility in how this will be executed. Notably, McLaren will not guarantee Norris every win until the end of the season, allowing both drivers the opportunity to capitalize on exceptional performances if they arise. This approach aims to balance team objectives with individual performances, ensuring fair competition within the team dynamics.
