Norris and Piastri primed for Belgian GP as McLaren urges caution on lap one
McLaren Stresses Caution for Norris and Piastri Ahead of Belgian Grand Prix
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS – With a tantalizing Belgian Grand Prix ahead, McLaren's drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, have been urged to "minimise trouble" on the opening lap as the British team eyes a significant result.
Lining up for the race, scheduled for 44 laps on the iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit, Norris sits in pole position, fresh from Saturday’s qualifying triumph, followed closely by teammate Piastri—a mere nine points ahead of him in the championship standings. The McLaren duo locked out the front row with precision, but they face looming threats from Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. Verstappen, the Saturday sprint race victor, is expected to be a critical factor once again.
Verstappen’s Strategy and Weather Uncertainty
The 2021 champion showcased his Spa expertise in the sprint by biding his time behind Piastri on the opening lap before deploying the slipstream down the Kemmel Straight to take the lead. A similar strategy could emerge on Sunday, particularly with uncertainties surrounding the weather forecast, which has increasingly pointed to the prospect of rain.
Speaking after Saturday’s sessions, McLaren team principal Andrea Stella shared insights into the team's strategy for the start.
"I think both drivers will try, first of all, to have the fastest run through corner one," Stella said. "I guess positioning for the one that will be in P2—positioning the car in order to be able to take the slipstream—will be potentially a decisive factor."
However, with predictions of wet conditions complicating the usual flat-out run through Eau Rouge, Stella acknowledged that the first lap could be even more unpredictable.
"If it's wet, it will be even more interesting because Eau Rouge may not be easy flat, like it is nowadays on lap one in a Formula 1 car."
Threats from Ferrari and the Long Game Strategy
While focused on strategy up front, Stella also warned of potential challenges from behind, particularly with Leclerc’s Ferrari boasting impressive straight-line speed.
"I wouldn't be surprised if Leclerc is actually leading the group at the end of lap one," Stella noted.
McLaren has consistently communicated a “long game” approach to its drivers, emphasizing the importance of avoiding major risks on the opening lap.
"Certainly, what I will tell the drivers is that lap one is just lap one of 44, and when you have such a good competitive car, you just have to make sure that we minimise the trouble during lap one," Stella explained. "Then, if we execute the race in the best possible way, I think we will be in condition to regain the possibility to win the race—even if lap one doesn't go according to the outcome of qualifying."
McLaren’s "Let Them Race" Policy in Focus
McLaren remains committed to letting Norris and Piastri race each other freely on track, refraining from enforcing team orders up to this point. While this has allowed both drivers to showcase their skills, it hasn’t been without its share of scares.
Earlier in the season, Norris clipped the back of Piastri’s car during their scrap in the Canadian Grand Prix. More drama followed at the Austrian Grand Prix when Piastri had to be curbed by the team’s engineers after nearly colliding with Norris in an aggressive battle for the lead.
Championship Ramifications at Spa
As the lights go out in Spa on Sunday, the question will be whether McLaren can maintain harmony between its drivers while fending off the combined force of Ferrari and Red Bull. With rainclouds looming and championship ramifications hanging in the balance, McLaren finds itself at the center of what promises to be an electrifying Grand Prix in the Ardennes.
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