Brown Justifies Keeping Norris’ ‘Consequence’ Confidential
Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren, has recently justified the team’s decision to keep details of Lando Norris’ ‘consequence’ private following a collision during the Singapore Grand Prix. The incident involved Norris colliding with the rear of Max Verstappen’s Red Bull, subsequently impacting his teammate, Oscar Piastri.
During the race at Marina Bay, Norris gained a position over Piastri, leading to audible frustration from Piastri over team radio. He expressed dissatisfaction, saying, “that wasn’t very teamlike,” and questioned whether they were “cool with Lando just barging me out of the way?”
Norris Faces Repercussions
As the United States Grand Prix approaches, Norris acknowledged experiencing “repercussions until the end of the season” related to the incident. McLaren’s Team Principal, Andrea Stella, confirmed that both drivers accepted the consequences of the collision.
Brown Defends Confidentiality
During a press conference in Austin, Brown addressed why the specifics of the consequences remained undisclosed. He stated, “We’re racing against nine other teams, and I don’t think you want to necessarily show your hand.” Brown emphasized the importance of maintaining privacy regarding internal matters, similar to how engineering debriefs are conducted exclusively within the team.
‘Papaya Rules’ in Focus
The ‘Papaya Rules,’ a code of conduct for Norris and Piastri, have sparked discussion as the two drivers compete for points in the championship. Brown acknowledged that this policy has gained significant attention. He expressed concern about ensuring both drivers can race competitively without escalating tensions that could jeopardize the team’s performance.
- Brown referred to the incident as relatively minor, occurring during a chaotic race start on a damp track.
- He noted that the consequences for various situations had been discussed and agreed upon during the offseason.
- Despite persistent inquiries about the ‘consequence,’ Brown maintained it was a private matter between the team and the drivers.
According to Brown, both drivers are in a strong position and are capable of continuing to race hard against each other without conflict. He reiterated the organization’s commitment to transparency, while also emphasizing the need to keep certain internal matters confidential.
