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Debate: McLaren must now go all-in on Norris and sacrifice Piastri
- Corwin Kunst
The last three world titles have been won by Max Verstappen, but it remains to be seen whether a fourth will be added this year. Lando Norris managed to narrow the gap in the world championship once again at the Italian Grand Prix, but the question is whether he is still capable of overtaking Verstappen. Therefore, that raises the debate whether McLaren should not have already thrown all its support to Norris in the last eight Grands Prix of this season.
The 24-year-old Briton from the Woking-based team needs to make up 62 points in eight race weekends. Not impossible, but quite a task. McLaren may therefore be wise to 'sacrifice' Oscar Piastri for Norris' chances in the drivers' championship. In Monza, for example, Norris could have made up more points than Verstappen if McLaren had opted for a team order at the end of the race.
In the constructors' championship, McLaren would then have accumulated the same number of points, while Norris' chances in the drivers' World Championship would have increased a little more again. However, the British team is also dealing with team dynamics, and they want to avoid having a disappointed Piastri driving during the remaining eight races of the season.
What do you think? Should McLaren throw all their support at Norris - and therefore start sacrificing Piastri from now on if the race situation allows it? Respond to our question below and join the discussion in the comments!
This article was written in collaboration with Olly Darcy