McLaren's High Stakes: The Internal Battle and Zak Brown's Toughest Test

 

McLaren's dominance this season has been nothing short of spectacular.

There's no doubt about the race team's formidable race-winning car and the world-class talent of its drivers. Each victory is rightly celebrated, often with both McLaren drivers on the podium, creating an outward appearance of perfect harmony within the Woking camp.

However, I've always found it insightful to observe the body language of the driver who doesn't win. While Oscar Piastri is remarkably adept at concealing his emotional state – his calm demeanour and relaxed shoulders often belie a fierce inner ambition – you can sense his desire to win every single race. And yes, you're right; that's entirely natural for a Formula One driver.

The Two Sides of the Garage: Oscar vs. Lando

Then there's Lando Norris. When Oscar wins, Lando's disappointment isn't just written all over his face and body language; he's often visibly upset and vocal about it to the press. 

You have two vastly different personalities: one with an incredible ability to mask his feelings (Oscar) and another who is animated and openly expresses his frustration when he doesn't clinch the win (Lando).

But when McLaren triumphs, I find myself looking at Zak Brown and the management team, observing the incredibly complex dynamic playing out. Right now, the McLaren team principal arguably has the most challenging job in motorsport.

Brown's Unenviable Task: The Collision Course

Let's be frank: the two McLaren cars are running a significant risk of colliding at some point this season. We all know it. In Monaco, Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc did a phenomenal job of splitting the McLarens, making life extremely difficult for both. At Imola, it was the "Max Verstappen show," with a clear win in the Red Bull.

But each time I see two McLaren drivers on the top step of the podiums, and when the camera cuts to Zak Brown after a race, you can almost see the wheels turning in his head and the pressure mounting. The worst thing that can happen to a team principal is to see two of their cars come together. 

While he's certainly not the first team principal to face this challenging situation over the years, something tells me that this weekend in Barcelona could be the flashpoint. 

I can see this all building, and what might be playing out, as this could be where the two young McLaren Formula One drivers might honestly go head-to-head, fighting fiercely for that crucial first corner, unwilling to yield.

Barcelona: The Pressure Cooker

Today marks the first practice session for the Spanish Grand Prix. While McLaren will undoubtedly be fast around this racetrack, the on-track action is where the real intrigue lies. As other teams like Ferrari, Mercedes, and Red Bull close the gap, there's only one winner from all this intense competition: you, the race fans!

If I'm asked to make a prediction today, here at the Senate Grand Prix office, for the finishing order, I'd confidently put it this way:

1. Oscar Piastri
2. Lando Norris
3. Max Verstappen
4. Charles Leclerc
5. George Russell
6. Lewis Hamilton
7. Alex Albon
8. Carlos Sainz
9. Fernando Alonso
10. Liam Lawson

Imola's race was a firm shot across the bow from Max Verstappen to Oscar and Lando, a clear message: "You want a world title? I'm prepared to lay it all on the line to win."

This Sunday in Monaco, we witnessed the sheer persistence of Lando Norris fending off a formidable attack from Charles Leclerc at the most challenging race track in F1, showcasing just how intense these battles can become.

The stage is set, and the tension is palpable. Get ready for a spectacular Spanish Grand Prix!