McLaren to back Norris in bid to challenge Verstappen for title in Azerbaijan

McLaren is set to implement team orders to support Lando Norris in his pursuit of Max Verstappen in the drivers’ championship at this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix. In an interview with the BBC, McLaren team principal Andrea Stella confirmed the team’s strategy shift, prioritizing Norris as they abandon their previous stance of non-interference.

“We will bias our support to Lando, but we want to do it without too much compromise on our principles,” said Stella. “Our principles are that the team interest always comes first. Sportsmanship for us is important in the overall way we go racing. And then we want to be fair to both drivers.”

Norris, currently second in the standings, trails Verstappen by 62 points with eight Grand Prix races remaining. McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri, who is fourth in the standings and 106 points behind Verstappen, will now play a supportive role in the title chase.

Stella confirmed both drivers were on board with the plan. “When I said to Oscar, ‘Would you be available to give up a victory?’ he said, ‘It’s painful, but if it’s the right thing to do now, I will do it.'”

The team aims to challenge Red Bull, who lead by just eight points in the constructors’ championship.

(Source: AFP)