Better team management at McLaren
The British team is firmly established at the top of the constructors' championship. However, its strategy of not having a number 1 driver could cost it the drivers' title, as was the case for Williams in 1986.
A neutrality that can put it in danger. Since the beginning of the season, McLaren is undoubtedly the best team on the grid. With five wins in the first six races, the Woking team is comfortably leading the constructors’ standings, with a 105-point lead over its closest challenger, the Mercedes team. Nevertheless, some observers like Martin Brundle, a former McLaren driver, have some concerns, particularly regarding team management and especially the drivers.
First of all, it’s a team that was no longer used to competing for top positions and therefore lacks experience in this area. This observation was particularly evident last season, where several strategic errors cost the two drivers valuable points. Another issue, quite paradoxically, lies with McLaren: its lineup. While it is one of the strongest on the grid, having two such competitive drivers could harm the Woking team. This is, in any case, the opinion of Martin Brundle. The former driver of the brand highlighted the danger of not having a number 1 driver. The team’s boss, Zak Brown, recently indicated that contact between the two drivers is practically inevitable as they are so close on the track.
Verstappen and Russell lurking behind the McLarens
A situation that could therefore lead to clashes, benefiting two drivers in particular: Max Verstappen and George Russell. Both men have shown unwavering consistency since the beginning of the season and are still in the championship race.
A misstep from McLaren and they could threaten for the title, which would be a real underperformance for the papaya team considering the pace the car has shown this year. The problem McLaren will face is that if Max Verstappen and George Russell continue to string together good results and if Mercedes has an update arriving at Imola, of which they are quite satisfied. I’m sure everyone will make some progress. If they [Verstappen and Russell] are in the mix, I have no doubt that Piastri and Norris will take points off each other, said the 65-year-old Briton on the Sky Sports F1 podcast, The F1 Show.
Two drivers vying for the title: a poisoned gift for McLaren
Brundle therefore warns McLaren. The British team must not repeat the same mistakes as Williams in 1986. That year, the British team was the benchmark, powered by a very efficient Honda engine. While they won the constructors’ title, Williams let the drivers’ title slip away, ultimately won by Alain Prost in his McLaren, two points ahead of Mansell and three ahead of Piquet. They must be careful not to focus too much on each other, at the risk of someone else coming along and winning the championship, as Alain Prost did in 1986.
For the former driver, the solution is clear: McLaren must not repeat last year’s mistakes. If they want to clinch both titles at the end of the season, they need to make a choice: prioritize Piastri or Norris. The problem for McLaren is that if you wait for a driver to be mathematically out of the title race, it will be October or November in this championship. McLaren might therefore need to make a decision before then. It will all depend on how the season unfolds, but they probably won’t consider it before the summer break, at the earliest.
Until then, the orange team will let its drivers fight. However, if an accident were to occur, it wouldn’t be surprising if the team immediately took measures. Despite having a car above the competition, this season is likely to be full of emotions for McLaren.
