McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown says the team recognizes the risks of not favoring one driver over another, but believes the long-term benefits outweigh the potential consequences. By giving equal opportunities to both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, McLaren aims to maintain a positive relationship between its drivers and reduce the risk of losing a key title contender.
Last season, Brown admitted that McLaren’s approach may have cost them the 2007 drivers’ championship, as Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton’s points were split, allowing Kimi Raikkonen to win. However, he believes that favoring one driver over another could lead to a driver leaving the team, which is exactly what happened at the end of 2007.
Brown emphasizes that McLaren values equal treatment for its drivers, with neither having a priority in their contract. He also notes that this approach can benefit both the constructors’ and drivers’ championships. With Norris and Piastri currently separated by just nine points in the standings, Brown expects the duo to maintain a strong relationship despite the increasing competition.
The McLaren CEO attributes the team’s success to its culture and the drivers’ personalities. “I think fundamentally you have got two great, respectful guys,” he said. “Their relationship is getting stronger every day.”
Source: https://racer.com/2025/08/07/mclaren-recognizes-the-consequences-of-equal-driver-approach