Lando Norris, Zak Brown, Oscar Piastri, McLaren, Losail International Circuit, 2025

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has denied reports the team discussed whether it should prioritise Lando Norris in the championship fight.

Reports elsewhere following the Las Vegas Grand Prix claimed the team considered dropping its policy of supporting both drivers and requiring Oscar Piastri to assist his team mate. Some quoted Piastri claiming this was the case.

However Brown insisted the team has never considered changing its approach, even as Max Verstappen has closed the gap to their two drivers.

“I saw those comments, I didn’t see the interview,” Brown told the official Formula 1 channel. “We actually haven’t discussed not doing anything other than both guys racing.

“So I don’t know if that particular quote was taken out of context or what the question was, but the boys have been free to race since Australia and they’re free to race now.

“There’s three different drivers that can lead this championship coming out of this weekend, and therefore, how can you do anything other than continue to let them race?”

Brown said Piastri has “had a perfect weekend so far” following his pole position and victory in the sprint race. “Now the big stuff begins. But a great start to the weekend for Oscar and for us.”

He said Norris, who qualified and finished third, has been “a little less happy” with his car this weekend. “When you look at his data, his car didn’t seem to be as settled.”

“I would expect Max to improve, he’s got some porpoising going on there, so I’m sure he’ll be right at the sharp end. So everyone will make some improvements, but looking at the data, I think Lando’s car was a little bit less settled than Oscar’s that session.”

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