McLaren F1 News: Brown is wary of Norris and Piastri pursuing Senna-Prost rivalry

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has recognized the potential for a fierce rivalry between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

While Brown is confident in his team’s ability to manage any internal conflict, he recognizes the risk that comes with two highly talented and ambitious drivers competing under one roof.

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Currently, Norris has an impressive 69-point lead over Piastri in the league ranking of the driversa testament to the Briton’s experience and form in his sixth season with the team.

However, Piastri’s remarkable progress in what is only his second campaign – including his first two victories in the Formula 1 Grand Prix – has led many to predict that the young Australian could challenge Norris as early as next season.

Norris versus Piastri: a brewing battle?

Despite the points difference, Piastri’s raw speed and adaptability have impressed both McLaren and the wider F1 paddock.

Observers note that such equal drivers often lead to tensions spilling over on the track, a scenario McLaren is keen to avoid.

The team has a history of fierce rivalry between drivers, including Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna, who fought back-to-back World Cup battles as teammates with the team in 1988 and 1989, as well as Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso with the team in 2007.

Speaking about the huge rivalry between Senna and Prost, Brown told Moto Auto und Sport: “I’m not worried, but I realize that something like that can happen if you’re not careful.

“There are plenty of examples from the past. Piquet versus Mansell, Hamilton versus Rosberg. A lot depends on the personalities of the drivers.

“We are lucky to have two lions in the cage, but they get along well. The transparency we cultivate at McLaren builds trust.

“If a storm threatens, we try to contain it before its speed increases,” he continued.

“That is why we always involve our drivers together in our marketing activities, we play golf together, we go out to eat together in the evening.

“This helps us to master difficult situations, such as the stable management in Hungary.“

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