McLaren Team Principal Andreas Seidl Wary of Drivers’ “Big Egos” Causing Trouble

McLaren F1 had a dream start to their campaign last weekend. The young Briton, Lando Norris won his first-ever podium finish in F1, while his teammate Carlos Sainz also finished the race in an impressive P5. They’ll be looking forward to building on this positive start, come Sunday’s Styrian Grand Prix.

With the midfield battle set to be an intense one this year, teams and drivers will be giving their all to win the unofficial title of ‘best of the rest.’ In this scenario, it’s very possible that two teammates may end up battling each other more often than not.

However, McLaren’s boss Andreas Seidl is confident that there will not be any conflict between Sainz and Norris on the track. But if either of them were to jeopardize the race for McLaren, while racing each other, Seidl wouldn’t tolerate it.

McLaren boss will let Sainz and Norris race freely but the team’s interests will be given top priority

According to Autosport, Seidl said, “We allow them to race freely, and not interfere as a team as long as there is not a clear reason to change position because of different strategies or because of different car performances. I know that if you allow them to race freely, contact shouldn’t happen. I have a lot of trust in these two guys.”

But at the same time, Seidl doesn’t rule out the possibility of a clash occurring due to the heat and intensity of competitive racing.

He said, “Drivers are very competitive. They have to be very competitive, and it’s clear they have big egos. That’s the reason why they got so far in their careers. You need to allow these guys also that mistakes can happen, otherwise, they can’t perform at the limit.”

“At the same time, it always needs to be clear that we are all here for McLaren and for the team. As soon as the ego of one driver is in the way of the interests of the team, I would take it personally. I see it as a personal attack on me as well. then we go from there.”

By now, it’s well known that Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris get along very well, so on track skirmishes wouldn’t be out of any malice. But in the heat of the race, anything could happen. However, for McLaren’s sake, they’ll be hoping to refrain from fiery battles with one another.