McLaren point to Norris-Piastri ‘rules’ to protect F1 title

McLaren CEO Zak Brown has suggested the Woking-based squad could look to implement “rules” between its drivers as it looks to secure its first constructors' title in 26 years.

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri finished first and second in qualifying on Saturday and will lock out the front row for the start of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Rivals Ferrari endured a difficult session as Charles Leclerc failed to advance out of Q2, and with a 10-place grid penalty also applied, the Monegasque drive will start from the back of the field.

It has placed McLaren on the brink of the title as it enters the race 21 points ahead of Ferrari.

However, Brown has suggested the team will formulate rules to ensure its drivers do not put the feat at risk.

“We’ll come up with some rules overnight.,” Brown told Sky F1. 

“But the drivers obviously know exactly what's going on.

“So I don't think we'll need to tell them anything. I think they know what the plan is.”

McLaren avoiding 'naive' mindset

Despite Ferrari being on the back foot, Brown insisted it would be “naive” of McLaren to think it has one hand on the title.

“He [Leclerc] had a bad day at the office, but he's an awesome racing driver, and with safety cars and things of that nature, I don't think we can rule anybody out.

“I think that would be naive. So we're going to just attack tomorrow like we've been attacking every weekend.

“This would mean everything to all the men and women at McLaren. 

They've done such an unbelievable job. So hats off to all of them, and hopefully we'll be celebrating tomorrow night.”