Zak Brown predicts future collisions between Norris and Piastri: ‘It's a matter of when, not if’

Zak Brown Admits McLaren Drivers' Rivalry May Lead to Future Collisions

McLaren CEO Zak Brown has acknowledged the likelihood of another on-track collision between the team's star drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, as the two push each other to the limit in their fight for success this season. Speaking ahead of the British Grand Prix, Brown expressed confidence in his team’s ability to manage the inevitable, emphasizing that such incidents are part of the nature of competitive racing.

Piastri currently holds a 15-point advantage over his teammate in the drivers' standings as the season nears its midpoint. The competition between the two came under scrutiny following their collision at the Canadian Grand Prix, where Norris took responsibility for a miscalculated move while the pair battled for fourth place. Most recently, the duo fought over the lead at the Austrian Grand Prix. While contact was narrowly avoided, Piastri was cautioned for what the team described as a “too marginal” attempt to pass Norris, which included locking a front tire and almost clipping his teammate’s rear.

Competitive Racing Dynamics

Reflecting on the dynamic between Norris and Piastri, Brown told ESPN:

"I don't think you can get any two racing drivers, teammates or not, who are going to be racing each other as closely as they are. Whether it's for first and second or 10th and 11th -- they're all on the limit, and mistakes happen, so it's going to happen again.

"It's OK, we know it, it's racing. To sit here and say our cars are never going to touch another race car — teammate or not — is unrealistic. But that comes down to the integrity in which we race, the communication that we have, the respect we have for each other.

"So, when it happens again, not if, it'll be just like you saw in Montreal. We’ll talk it through, someone will put up their hand, whatever the case may be, and we move on and go racing again. It certainly wouldn't have been anything intentional."

Despite the close calls on track, Brown is confident that mutual respect between the drivers will prevent their rivalry from becoming toxic.

"I think in this instance, it’s the two drivers that we have," Brown continued. "You know, Oscar and Lando are first-class individuals. They’ve got a tremendous amount of respect for each other. They’ve got a tremendous amount of respect for the team.

"They want to race fairly, equally, and may the best man win. That’s how they want to win. They don’t want to have a one-car team or one [driver] supporting the other. At the same time, I think they’re very proud of how they race."

Driving Hard But Fair

Brown anticipates the duo will continue driving hard but with a commitment to keeping things clean.

"I don’t foresee them racing any other way than very hard and cleanly. That doesn’t mean mistakes can’t happen — as we’ve seen, they have in the past and they will in the future. But I have no doubt that they want to win it cleanly, and I’m excited for that."

Differing Personalities

Much attention has been given to the differing personalities of Norris and Piastri. While Norris often speaks candidly about his challenges, Piastri has kept a low-profile approach, preferring to let his performance on the track do the talking. Brown sees these contrasting styles as a strength for the team.

"I think it benefits us," Brown said. "Everyone's their own individual. I think it’s great, and that’s what makes the chemistry between them really good.

"If you get two people that are too like-minded, then maybe that’s not the ideal scenario. Having the two of them with different personalities, I think, makes it fun. Fun is an important part of going motor racing and being a racing team where everyone thinks as one. Their personalities are very complementary, and it’s enjoyable working with both of them."

Looking Ahead to Silverstone

As the McLaren duo prepares for their home race at Silverstone, the spotlight will remain on their budding rivalry and the cohesion within the team. With passionate fans eager to see them push the limits, Brown’s measured outlook provides reassurance that McLaren is well-prepared to navigate the highs and lows of this competitive partnership.

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