Will McLaren Continue to Let 'Norris-Piastri Race Freely' After Canada GP Collision?

New Delhi, June 23 (NationPress) McLaren will persist in allowing Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to race without constraints, even following their late-race incident at the Canadian Grand Prix. Team principal Andrea Stella emphasized that the team's fundamental principle of driver autonomy remains strong.

The collision occurred when Norris grazed the rear of Piastri's car during a DRS-boosted duel for fourth position, raising questions about whether McLaren would impose stricter team orders. However, the team has firmly supported its drivers, encouraging them to race based on merit, albeit with heightened caution.

"The freedom to race and the clarity regarding our racing approach is a fundamental value of the sport," Stella stated as quoted by Sky Sports. "We aim to uphold and respect this value to the best of our ability, rather than exercising control from the pit wall every time our cars are in close proximity."

Norris promptly took responsibility for the incident, apologizing to both Piastri and the team. His mature response was well-received internally, helping to diffuse potential tensions ahead of the crucial Austrian-British double-header. Stella commended the culture at McLaren for alleviating what could have been a contentious moment.

"In heated moments, it may seem like a catastrophe, but the strength derived from having a robust culture means we can process these events, learn positively, and discard anything irrelevant as we move forward," Stella explained.

He quickly reassured that the clash in Canada would not alter McLaren's racing strategies. "I don’t expect this incident to change our approach. If anything, it reinforces the principles that necessitate greater caution from our drivers," he affirmed.

This marked the first notable wheel-to-wheel contact between the McLaren duo in an otherwise strong and closely-contested season. Norris’s DNF in Montreal has left him 22 points behind Piastri in the Drivers' Championship, yet McLaren remains dominant in the Constructors' standings, leading by 175 points over Mercedes.

Stella insisted that preventing future incidents isn't about enforcing strict regulations, but rather enhancing judgment and respecting boundaries during high-pressure situations.

"If we declare that there should be no contact between the two McLarens, we must ensure the margins that prevent contact are maintained—even in DRS scenarios where one car may unintentionally get too close to the other," he stated.

Stella believes the Canadian incident, though regrettable, will ultimately fortify team dynamics. "Having experienced such situations will make us stronger as both a team and as individual drivers. Close racing between the two McLarens will happen again, but better judgment regarding proximity is essential for the future."