McLaren’s frustrations continued at the Italian Grand Prix as another potential victory slipped away, sparking debate about the team’s strategy and driver management. Despite the MCL38 solidifying its status as the car to beat in Formula 1, McLaren’s season is increasingly overshadowed by missed opportunities and internal challenges.
In post-race interviews, McLaren team principal Andrea Stella acknowledged the possibility of needing to prioritize Lando Norris in future races. However, CEO Zak Brown offered a different perspective, emphasizing McLaren’s longstanding philosophy of treating both drivers equally.
“They are both young drivers who want to win; we have always believed in having two number ones,” Brown told Sky F1. “That’s always been McLaren’s way. It can be difficult to manage—we’ve seen it with Senna and Prost.”
The Italian GP saw Ferrari secure their third win of 2024 with a well-executed one-stop strategy, while McLaren once again faltered on the pit wall. Strategic missteps have been a recurring issue for the team this season, but the first lap at Monza was also critical. Oscar Piastri’s bold overtake on Norris at Turn 4 disrupted Norris’ momentum, allowing Charles Leclerc to gain a crucial position.
McLaren’s handling of its drivers has come under scrutiny, with some questioning whether the team’s reluctance to implement team orders could be costing them valuable points. However, Brown defended the team’s approach, stressing the importance of maintaining a balanced dynamic between Norris and Piastri.
“They get along great, they do race each other clean, and it’s philosophical—are you a one-car team or a two-car team?” Brown continued. “The easiest thing would have been for Lando to just run away with it, and then not have to put difficult decisions on the pit wall. But Andrea [Stella] and I are taking it one race at a time.”
As McLaren navigates the complexities of managing two competitive drivers, the team’s ability to make decisive strategic choices could be key to turning their season around.