McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have revealed if any team orders will be issued after dominating F1 qualifying for the Australian GP.
McLaren confirmed their paddock status as season favourites by securing one-two finish in qualifying at Albert Park.
With Max Verstappen starting third and rain forecast for the race, questions remain on whether the team can secure the race win.
The prospect of changeable weather and a fast car have led to internal discussions on the issue of team orders.
Speaking after qualifying, Norris said that McLaren had confirmed rules of engagement had been set for both drivers.
Norris confirmed the team expected similar qualifying situations in 2025, with ‘boundaries’ agreed.
Norris and McLaren ‘prepared’ for future qualifying scenarios
He said consistency would be the secret to McLaren winning a second constructors’ championship in a row.
“There’s obviously been discussions because we’re prepared. We know we’re gonna have a lot more of this kind of thing over the course of the season.
“So, there are clearly rules we cannot cross. Both cars will always have to stay in the race and that kind of thing.
“We’re both competitors, that’s clear, we both want to fight for a win and fight for victories, that’s clear.
“But, there’s just boundaries, around the car. So, it’s just ‘[give] a little bit more space here and there’. But we’re free to race, we’re free to try and win races.
“What won us the constructors‘ last year was how we helped one another out and how we kept things clean and how there was order when there was needed to be. But a lot of that was very much later in the season and when external things were happening.
“At the minute there is none of that, so it’s good – we’re both excited and we’ll of course always have our morning talks, but we‘ll wait and see.”
Piastri aware teamwork will be critical in 2025
Echoing his team-mate, Piastri said he and Norris needed to avoid all contact to take advantage of the MCL39’s raw speed.
“I obviously want to win the race as much as Lando does” and “I think he summed it up very well,” he said.
“Any team, not just McLaren, obviously the number-one rule is to have no contact and to give each other space,” he added.
“So, that’s no different. Obviously, if there’s opportunities for either of us to take advantage of certain situations, then we will, and we’re free to do that.
“But, ultimately, we are racing for the team. It’s a very important thing for us.
“I think we said numerous times last year, the teamwork that we show as drivers, but also as a team, is what won us the constructors’ championship last year.
“So, I think it’s important to recognise that fact because obviously the car has been strong for a while now, but I think also the team is very strong.”
Feature Image Credit: @McLarenF1 on X
