For how long can McLaren manage their two No.1 drivers culture? The modern era of F1 has witnessed front-running teams pay a high price for having two equal drivers. McLaren itself has faced the same consequences in the past. However, according to Zak Brown, their policy is working for now. He believes things will be different between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, but for how long? After all, both drivers have clinched their maiden wins ahead of the summer break.

Lando Norris’ Miami GP win was emotional, as he had waited five years for it. However, Oscar’s first win in Hungary came after Norris handed him the lead after a series of pitstops and a much-delayed position swap. Norris expressed regret for not swapping positions earlier, and McLaren addressed the issue internally. This was surely the first glance of just how uneasy it could get within the Papaya team, especially between the drivers. Given that McLaren continues to produce cars capable of 1-2 finishes, clashes are inevitable. Now, frequent clashes might see McLaren relive its past, back when Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso‘s bitter rivalry didn’t benefit the team. So, is Zak Brown prepared for such a situation?

Zak Brown’s confidence in McLaren’s culture leads him to believe that his drivers will avoid conflicts

The CEO is adamant that McLaren’s culture is strong enough to resist Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri from going head-on against each other. However, Zak Brown is aware of how the history books are full of such cautionary tales. Speaking exclusively to Motorsport.com, Brown shared his thoughts on their two number-one drivers’ policy. He said: “Relationships, communication, and the two individuals that we have. I mean, make no mistakes about it. They both want to be number-ones and they are both number-ones. We just don’t have any number-twos.” So, does this mean the leader of the Orange Gang isn’t aware of the consequences? No, but his faith in his drivers makes him believe in such stances.

Zak Brown further added: “But they race for the team. They’re the types of individuals I think can race each other hard and be number one in their own mind and respect the fact that we run two number-one cars. And we always have and always will.” At the same time, Brown didn’t rule out favoring one driver over the other. This situation will be applicable when the championship is on the line. For now, McLaren isn’t there yet. With Norris trailing Max Verstappen by 78, and Oscar another 32 points behind, the time hasn’t yet come for the Papaya Army.

Brown also acknowledged: “If you get later into the championship and one driver has more of a shot than another, then you might start looking at things that you do strategically differently.” But treating the duo equally is his priority. Zak Browns says that the drivers know that and thoroughly enjoy the process. Moreover, they respect the team’s decision, and when required, make concessions as well. Even if the boss tries to hide it, the audience can sense the rivalry between Lando and Piastri. There is skepticism even if Zak Brown denies it.

The Norris-Piastri duo could have the same fate as the Alonso-Hamilton Nightmare

McLaren has a history of rivalries. Legends like Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna have braced the garage. The tracks have witnessed their fierce battles. However, not all rivalries are developmental. As recent as 2007, when the then-reigning world champion Fernando Alonso was paired with rookie Lewis Hamilton, F1 witnessed the ‘Clash of the Titans’. Infighting saw both drivers miss out on the title by a single point to Kimi Raikkonen, who snatched the championship for Ferrari. Zak Brown surely has the infamous tales playing in the back of his mind.

Surprisingly, the F1 royalty Eddie Jordan stated: “It was a little bit uncomfortable to see it being played out in the way it happened.” He said this in the context of the McLaren vs McLaren at the Hungarian GP. It is undeniable that the team’s strategies were also faulty. But, wasn’t the tension between the drivers palpable? Of course, Lando wanted to win for a second time, but given his flawed start, he lost his position. Meanwhile, Piastri was brilliant in the first corner and thus took the lead.

Should Norris have given Oscar Piastri an early lead? Maybe yes, maybe no. What went on between them and the team will remain unknown. Meanwhile, Zak Brown’s policy seems to be working. Having two number-ones is better than having a No.1 and 2. However, how long he maintains the harmony is worth anticipating. Do you think we’ll witness a major clash between the McLaren drivers soon? Share your take in the comments.