SHOCKING: Steiner urged McLaren to strike Mark Webber deal after Oscar Piastri contract to Boost Lando Norris’s…….Read more
“Steiner Calls for McLaren to Strike Deal with Webber to Boost Norris’s Title Hopes”
McLaren has been urged to strike a deal with Oscar Piastri’s manager, Mark Webber, to help support Lando Norris’s bid for the 2024 Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship. This follows speculation, first mentioned by former world champion Nico Rosberg during the Italian Grand Prix, that a clause in Piastri’s contract prevents McLaren from enforcing team orders. Such orders would prioritize Norris in the championship fight against Max Verstappen and Red Bull.
After starting the 2024 season in dominant fashion, Verstappen and Red Bull have experienced a mid-season slump, with their last victory coming at the Spanish Grand Prix on June 23. At the recent Italian Grand Prix, Verstappen finished sixth, his worst result since May. McLaren had a front-row lockout, giving Norris a prime opportunity to close the points gap to Verstappen. However, Piastri overtook Norris at the start, and both drivers ultimately finished behind Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.
Norris now trails Verstappen by 62 points, with eight races left in the season. Meanwhile, McLaren is eight points behind Red Bull in the Constructors’ standings. McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has hinted that the team might consider changing its approach to team orders to boost Norris’s championship chances. Still, rumors suggest Piastri’s contract includes a clause that maintains equality between the drivers, preventing him from being ordered to assist Norris.
Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has advised McLaren to negotiate with Webber to ensure Piastri supports Norris for the remainder of the season. Speaking on the *Red Flags* podcast, Steiner emphasized the importance of seizing the rare opportunity to fight for a championship. He suggested McLaren could strike a deal with Webber and offer Piastri a future opportunity in exchange for his cooperation now.
“You change the clause,” Steiner said. “If you sit Mark down and have a conversation, Mark is a grown-up. Obviously, nothing in life is free, but how many World Championship opportunities do you get? Maybe it’s the only one, or maybe there are more, but who knows? If Oscar supports Lando now, he could get his shot in the future.”
Steiner highlighted that if a parity clause exists, McLaren must work within its terms. However, he argued that Webber, as a former F1 driver, would understand the importance of such opportunities and be open to negotiation. McLaren could promise Piastri the team’s full support in future seasons, especially if the team remains competitive in 2025.
The former team principal also pointed out the broader implications of not utilizing team orders. If Piastri’s refusal to comply cost McLaren both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships, it would reflect poorly on Webber and his management of the young Australian. “If you’re seen as the reason McLaren didn’t win two Championships instead of one, how does that go down? Mark has been there, and he knows that,” Steiner said.
Steiner also praised Webber for his guidance of Piastri, which has helped the rookie rise quickly through the ranks. While Webber is likely to demand compensation if any changes are made to Piastri’s role, Steiner is confident that a compromise can be reached, especially given McLaren’s position in the standings.
Finally, Steiner warned that McLaren risks appearing “foolish” if their championship challenge falters due to their reluctance to implement team orders. He suggested that team boss Stella and McLaren CEO Zak Brown might believe they can win without orders, but if their gamble fails, they could face harsh criticism.
In a season where Red Bull has shown vulnerability, McLaren must consider every option to make the most of this rare opportunity to compete for both titles.
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