McLaren-Boss Zak Brown wants to ensure that the World Cup title fight between his drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piatri does not get out of hand with “balance, fairness and transparency” in the 2025 Formula 1 season.
Brown said “How Leaders Lead with David Novak” in the podcast: “If we have technical updates for the car and they are only available for a driver, because two copies are not yet available, then we explain to our drivers why.”
Because McLaren wants to avoid scandal at all costs, in which, for example, a driver from the media learns that the teammate gets new parts – but he does not.
“That’s why we give our drivers a reason,” said Brown. “We log it. If one has the advantage and the other does not, we will hold it. And next time the other driver will get the new part.”
Why doesn’t Brown do not expect escalation
Brown wants to prevent tensions in the team and ensure a harmonious team atmosphere. The fact that Norris and Piatri get along well helps enormously.
“We are very lucky,” said Brown. “Because we definitely have the best driver duo. They are not only among the fastest drivers in the world, they are also very good guys. They are extremely competitive, but at the same time respectful and well brought up.”
Whenever problems arise, “we clarify them directly”. According to Brown, this prevents escalating rivalry – as McLaren knows from the duels between Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna.
There has been no question of this at Norris and Piatri, Brown emphasized: “We have a good sense of when there is a little excitement in the room. But I can honestly say: There have been none so far.”
But that doesn’t have to stay that way. Because Norris and Piatri probably make up the 2025 World Cup title. Brown also looks like this: “If everything runs normally, it stays between the two.”
“Such duels often end in the drama – not with us. We speak openly. They are not an elephant in the room for us.”