Zak Brown reveals clear McLaren drivers stance: 'We're letting them go'

McLaren CEO Zak Brown has revealed McLaren's clear stance that it is going to let Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri fight for the F1 drivers' title, without introducing team orders.  Piastri holds a small eight-point advantage over Norris in the championship, whilst Max Verstappen in third is 69 points adrift.  Unless something truly extraordinary takes place, it is set to be an all-McLaren duel for what would be a maiden title for either Piastri or Norris. The McLaren duo have already collided this year, with Norris having crashed into Piastri in the closing laps of the Canadian Grand Prix.  Piastri then almost went into the back of Norris at the Red Bull Ring, but managed to avoid contact.  It has resulted in some nervy races for Brown, who is prepared to let the two drivers battle each other for the crown. "We're letting them go. It's up to them to decide who wins the world championship," Brown said at the Goodwood FOS.  "I hope it's one of the two. I think we need to extend our lead a little bit more before we get comfortable.  "But you're never quite comfortable in this sport and just let them keep racing. I thought Austria was a great demonstration of how hard they can race each other and cleanly."

Key Stella role

McLaren can allow its drivers to fight for the title due to boasting a 238-point lead in the constructors' title, with a defence of its crown looking highly likely.  Team principal Andrea Stella has been a pivotal part of McLaren's resurgence, something Brown is confident would not have happened with the Italian. "He's been critical to our success," insisted Brown. "He's an unbelievable leader.  "Really knows how to get the most out of everyone on the team, push them, give them feedback, give them support, and we wouldn't be where we are without Andrea."