Australian driver Oscar Piastri has backed McLaren’s decision to issue late team orders during the Italian Grand Prix, which saw him give up second place to teammate and championship rival Lando Norris. Despite the shuffle, Piastri emphasised the importance of teamwork in Formula 1.
While Max Verstappen made history with another dominant win, becoming the first driver since 2019 to win at Monza from pole, McLaren’s team strategy became the centre of attention. With five laps remaining, Piastri was instructed to let Norris pass after a slow pit stop had cost the Briton valuable time.
The decision reduced Piastri’s lead over Norris in the drivers’ championship from 34 points to 31. However, Piastri defended the move, noting its fairness and necessity for the team.
When you’re in the same team, same pit crew, same mechanics, there’s a lot at stake. For not just us, but for the whole team,” he said on UK Sky Sports. “I think the decision to swap back was fair. Lando was ahead of me the whole race, so I don’t have any issues with that.”
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How the Race Unfolded
Starting third on the grid, Piastri lost a position to Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc at Turn 1 but quickly reclaimed it. However, Leclerc battled back, keeping Piastri in fourth until lap six, when the Australian regained third place. By then, Verstappen and Norris had already created a significant gap as they vied for the lead in the race’s early stages.
Contrary to expectations, tyre degradation at Monza was minimal, allowing front runners to extend their first stints. With eight laps to go and Verstappen untouchable in first, McLaren shifted focus to defending against Leclerc in fourth.
To manage strategy, Norris was initially offered the first pit stop but suggested Piastri pit instead. Piastri’s stop went smoothly, but Norris’s stop was delayed by a faulty wheel gun, giving Piastri a two-second advantage. Despite the chance to extend his championship lead to 37 points, Piastri was instructed by his race engineer, Tom Stallard, to let Norris pass.
“Oscar, this is a bit like Hungary last year. We pitted in this order for team reasons. Please let Lando pass, then you are free to race,” Stallard said over team radio, referencing a similar situation at the 2024 Hungarian Grand Prix.
Though frustrated initially, Piastri complied. “If you really want me to do it, I’ll do it,” he responded over the radio.
Lando Norris Reacts to McLaren’s Strategy
After the race, Norris explained that team orders were necessary and expressed his understanding of the situation.
“The same thing would have happened if it was vice versa,” Norris said.
“If Oscar had a worse pit stop and I was behind before I’d have to have let him through.
“None of us want it to happen like this. I didn’t choose for these things to happen. I don’t want to have to let him pass, or I be let passed, We have to do what we think is correct as a team.”
McLaren’s Commitment to Teamwork
While this incident might highlights McLaren focus on teamwork during the championship fight. Some people have taken to social media to express their disappointment by saying that McLaren seems to be favouring Lando Norris as he is a Brit racing for a British team.
As McLaren continues its strong form, the Piastri-Norris dynamic will be one to watch in the battle for the 2024 Formula 1 championship.
