Former team principal Otmar Szafnauer has suggested McLaren implement performance-linked contracts for Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. This proposal follows the collision between the two drivers during the Singapore Grand Prix Sprint earlier in the 2026 Formula 1 season. The incident prompted significant internal discussions within the McLaren team.
Norris and Piastri made contact on the final lap of the Singapore Sprint at Turn 5 while competing for position. The collision resulted in both cars spinning, with Piastri retiring from the race. Norris recovered to finish eighth, securing a single point for the team.
The stewards investigated the incident but determined that neither driver was wholly or predominantly to blame. They concluded both drivers contributed to the collision.
McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella publicly described the incident as ‘unacceptable.’ CEO Zak Brown also termed the clash ‘unnecessary.’
Brown issued a direct ‘don’t do that again’ order to his drivers following the event. David Coulthard later reported that McLaren insiders observed Brown and Stella were privately ‘angrier than they have ever been.’
Stella confirmed that internal team discussions regarding the incident were ongoing. The objective is to establish a clear, united plan for driver conduct moving forward.
Szafnauer, formerly with Aston Martin and Alpine, proposed linking driver bonuses to the team’s Constructors’ Championship position. He made these comments on the High Performance Racing podcast.
The rationale behind this suggestion is to incentivise drivers to prioritise team results over individual gains. A higher Constructors’ Championship finish translates to substantial financial benefits for the team.
Rob Smedley, a former Ferrari engineer, supported Szafnauer’s view. Smedley noted that bonus structures based solely on individual points can foster detrimental driver behaviour.
As of October 12, 2026, following the Singapore Grand Prix, McLaren holds third place in the Constructors’ Championship with 339 points. Mercedes leads with 578 points, followed by Ferrari with 444 points.
Red Bull Racing is closely behind McLaren in fourth position with 332 points. This seven-point margin underscores the importance of every scoring opportunity for McLaren.
The financial implications of Constructors’ Championship positions are significant. Martin Brundle also highlighted the impact of crash-related repairs on cost cap management.
Norris later apologised to the team, acknowledging his mistake in attempting the overtake. Piastri accepted the apology, stating the team had moved on.
McLaren’s management continues to work with both drivers. The aim is to ensure team interests consistently take precedence in future racing scenarios.
