McLaren wary of creating 'upset' between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has acknowledged the possibility it could create in-race scenarios that leave one of its drivers “upset” going forward.

Both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have enjoyed strong starts to the current F1 season, taking one win apiece.

The pair have placed their names in the early running for the title this year with Norris leading the drivers' championship, while Piastri and Red Bull's Max Verstappen sit behind in close pursuit.

McLaren has tied both Norris and Piastri down on long-term contracts, which has generated the risk of the line-up becoming uncomfortable to manage should the duo battle for supremacy.

With the team having the final call when it comes to strategy and in-race decisions, Stella accepted it may one day have to reach a resolution that disturbs one of its drivers.

“I can’t exclude that this may happen,” Stella told media including RacingNews365.

“Like I said before, there are advantages to having two extremely competitive drivers. 

“I think the advantage in the long term is dominant – that’s what you want, in my view. 

“But there could be episodically some situations which may leave one of the two drivers a little upset because the team needed to make a decision, or because of how the race unfolded. 

“So we are very, very aware of this.”

Stella asserted the situation is not being shied away from within the McLaren organisation and that the drivers are mindful of the strong possibility they could be left in the less favourable position.

“Internally, we don’t talk about 'if this happens', we talk about 'when this happens', because we are aware it’s a very difficult business,” Stella said.

“We are aware as a team – and Lando and Oscar are aware as well.”