McLaren CEO Zak Brown has announced that the team will review the “aggressive” pass made by Oscar Piastri on his teammate Lando Norris during the first lap of the Italian Grand Prix. The incident occurred as both McLaren drivers battled for position early in the race at Monza, one of the fastest circuits on the Formula 1 calendar.
Piastri, a rookie in his first full season in F1, made an assertive move on the inside line to overtake Norris, who has been the team’s leading driver over recent seasons. The maneuver drew the attention of Brown and other team officials, who noted that while both drivers are encouraged to race competitively, maintaining a respectful and safe approach is crucial for team harmony and success.
Brown emphasized the importance of striking a balance between allowing drivers the freedom to race and ensuring they do not jeopardize each other’s results or the team’s overall performance. “We love to see our drivers being competitive, but it’s also essential that they respect each other on the track,” Brown said. “We’ll review what happened, have a conversation with Oscar and Lando, and make sure everyone is on the same page moving forward.”
The incident did not result in any immediate damage or penalties, but it underscored the internal competition between the two McLaren drivers. As the team continues to make strides in the Constructors’ Championship, maintaining a good working relationship between Piastri and Norris is seen as key to their future success.
Brown added that the team will take the opportunity to analyze the pass, discuss race conduct with both drivers, and reinforce the team’s values of mutual respect and cooperation. “We’re here to win as a team, and that means working together,” he concluded.