Zak Brown asserts that McLaren "would rather" relive 2007 than choose between Norris and Piastri

The battle for the world title is still raging just before the Brazilian Grand Prix. With four rounds remaining, Lando Norris et Oscar piastri They are separated by only one point in the Drivers' standings, while Piastri had led the championship since the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. However, thanks to his victory at the Mexican Grand Prix, Lando Norris has snatched the championship lead from his teammate.

Max Verstappen Meanwhile, it has continued to chip away at the lead of McLaren Since the return from the summer break, the Dutchman remains firmly in contention, 36 points behind the leader. With 118 points still up for grabs, a victory for either of the two McLaren drivers is far from guaranteed. However, this prospect doesn't seem to worry McLaren's management, Zak Brown and Andrea Stella.

The CEO of McLaren did indeed confirm this in the podcast. Beyond the Grid of F1 that his priority was cohesion within his team. If Verstappen wins, I'll shake his hand and say 'well done'. I want to make sure that if we don't win, it's him who beats us, and not that we beat ourselves., he explained. This is importantThis approach is reminiscent of a painful precedent for McLaren. In 2007, the team found itself with two drivers fighting for the title: the rookie Lewis Hamilton and the double world champion Fernando AlonsoHowever, it was a third man who had seized the trophy.

With only five races remaining, Lewis Hamilton was in the lead, five points ahead of his teammate Fernando Alonso. However, a red shadow loomed in fourth place: Kimi Räikkönen. With two races to go, the McLarens were still holding their own against the FerrariTo everyone's surprise, the Finn snatched the crown by a single point at the end of the season.

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A 2007-style scenario for McLaren?

Eighteen years later, McLaren could relive a similar episode. Almost neck and neck, Norris and Piastri could be overtaken by a Max Verstappen determined to clinch a fifth consecutive title. We are well aware of 2007: two drivers tied on points, and one of them takes the lead, Brown acknowledged. Both our drivers want to win the world championship. We play attack, not defense."

For the American boss, there was no question of imposing team instructions. I prefer to say, 'We did our best, our drivers finished with the same number of points, and one won by one point,' rather than telling one of our drivers, when they are separated by only one point, 'I know you dream of becoming world champion, but we flipped a coin, and it's not going to be for you this year. Forget it.' Zak Brown said. That's not how we do things. If 2007 ever happens again, I'd prefer that scenario to any other, rather than playing the favorite. »

Unity rather than the championship

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella confirmed his colleague's statement: team spirit remains the priority. If Max is champion at the end of the year, for us, the important thing will be to be able to say that we did our best, and that we did it according to our own racing style., he said. If Max wins this year, we will say: 'we will win next year, we will be there and we will remain united as we are'. »

McLaren will therefore not prioritize either Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri, regardless of which of the two Papayas is in the lead. Even if it means losing what each team is fighting for on the grid. When you're in my position, it's like having two sons and someone asks you, 'Which one is your favorite?' Yes, but they are my two sons – how could you ask me which one I prefer? Andrea Stella wondered. Some people don't really understand what it means to have two drivers sharing this Formula 1 adventure with you. I simply feel very grateful to both of them, sincerely. »

For the final four Grands Prix, McLaren will let its drivers battle for the title on the track, without any intervention from the pit wall in favor of one or the other. A bold choice, but one that promises a thrilling, if not risky, spectacle.