McLaren Urged by Button to Favor Norris for 2024 Title

Jenson Button believes McLaren must prioritize Lando Norris over teammate Oscar Piastri to secure the 2024 drivers’ championship.

Jenson Button is convinced that McLaren F1 must introduce team orders between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to give the Briton a chance to challenge Max Verstappen for the drivers’ title this year.

“I love the fact that there are no team orders, because as a racing driver, we hate them,” Button said. “But at some point, if you want to win a world championship, you have to prioritize one driver.”

“Especially at this stage of the championship, where every point matters. For Lando, if he wants a chance to become world champion in 2024, he needs every point. And, you know, Oscar needs to be used to go for the fastest lap if Max has it during a race.”

“It’s a very tricky situation for a driver, for the drivers of a team, and for a team itself. But it has to happen. That’s why Ferrari won so many world championships with Michael Schumacher.”

“In a way, it’s also why Vettel was able to win so many world championships. I think sometimes you have to take the bull by the horns and favor one driver, especially at this stage of the season.”

“Oscar has done an incredible job this year, but Lando has more points and quite a few more. If the team wants to win, not only the constructors’ championship but also the drivers’ title this year, that’s what needs to be done.”

The 2009 world champion and former McLaren driver acknowledges the freedom given to Norris and Piastri but believes it should end: “I like the way they race, the fact that they let their drivers fight. As a fan of the sport, that’s what we all want. It’s great to see both drivers have the same chances.”

“It’s always been the case. When I was racing with Lewis [Hamilton], we were teammates at McLaren, and we won six races in one year [2011], with three each. If one of us had won all those races, they could have won the world championship.”

“McLaren could have won more world championships if they had implemented team orders over the years. But I think the reason drivers want to race for this team is that there are no team orders, and they can be treated equally on both sides.”

“So, it’s a very tricky question. From a fan’s perspective, it’s great that there are no team orders, and I love that. But if they want to win more world championships, they’re going to have to stop.”