Oscar Piastri has said McLaren will prioritise the F1 constructors' championship over helping Lando Norris in his bid to overtake Max Verstappen in the drivers' championship.
McLaren are 42 points behind Red Bull in the constructors' standings but have had the more powerful car at most events in the past three months since Norris won his first F1 race at the Miami Grand Prix in early May.
McLaren achieved a 10th consecutive podium finish as Piastri took second place at the Belgian GP.
With 10 races remaining when the season resumes with the Dutch Grand Prix on August 23-25, Norris is 78 points behind championship leader Verstappen.
“The first goal is to beat the builders for the team and I think we have a very strong chance of doing that,” Piastri said. Sky Sports News“We have been reducing the gap to Red Bull in the last six or seven races.
“I think I want to be as high as I can in the drivers' standings. I'm not out of the championship, but it's a big ask, but I want to continue to have good races, build consistency in that regard and help the team win the constructors' title.
“If I have to help Lando later this year, that's something we'll discuss, but my first goal is to win the Constructors' Championship and do well myself.”
For a more accessible video player, please use the Chrome browser.
Watch race highlights from the Hungarian Grand Prix where Piastri took his first race win with a McLaren 1-2.
At the start of this season, McLaren were not expected to be title contenders, with Red Bull having finished first and second in three of the first four races.
But Piastri won his first full Formula 1 win at the Hungarian Grand Prix and believes McLaren are now in a stronger position going forward.
“At the end of last year we had a very fast car on a certain circuit, but we really had to rely on that circuit to get a good result,” the Australian said.
“This year has been fast in every way and it's been fun to be a part of it. It's also been a confidence booster for everyone as we're not relying on just the fast corners like last year.
“We can be confident that we can give it our all and be one of the fastest teams, if not the fastest, and I think that will prepare us very well for next year.
“I feel like my confidence is growing. I'm getting better grades and learning more during my second year.
“I want to learn as much as I can and have as much success as I can this year, but ultimately, I think preparing for a really strong run next year is a realistic goal for now.”
For a more accessible video player, please use the Chrome browser.
While Piastri fought hard to take the lead, teammate Norris dropped to third and Max Verstappen ran wide. Watch the first lap of the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Norris gave the lead to Piastri after increasingly strict orders and finished second in Budapest.
The Briton, who lost two points to Verstappen at the Belgian Grand Prix, said the team was in really good shape and hoped they could continue their momentum.
“We're fine, the team is in really good shape. We trust each other and work together really well. That's the most important thing for us,” Norris said.
“That's our strength. That's why we do what we do now, to be one of the best teams in F1, if not the best.
“So I'm proud of where we are and what we're doing, and we have to try to catch up.”
For a more accessible video player, please use the Chrome browser.
Brown discusses McLaren's controversial Hungarian GP and the battle for the Constructors' Championship.
McLaren CEO Zac Brown said: “It's a priority for both (drivers and constructors) because ultimately, to win the constructors' championship, you need to have both drivers as high as possible. I would like to see both drivers in the top three.
“Right now there's second and fourth. The closer you get to the drivers, the closer you get to the constructors, so we're going for both. Every point counts.
“I think the next big opportunity for us will be to get into the Championship.
“It's definitely a great feeling. The drivers, the team and everyone has done a great job to get 10 podiums in a row. It's really great.
“Competing in the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships is a great way to spend the summer holidays.
“So there’s a lot to do and it won’t be easy. The second half of the year will be exciting. But I’m very happy with everything I’ve done at McLaren.”
Formula 1 is back after the summer break. The Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, August 23-25, is live on Sky Sports F1. Stream every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Month membership – no contract, cancel anytime
