(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
F1 Italian Grand Prix: McLaren Team Orders Stir Title Battle Between Piastri and Norris
The Formula 1 world championship fight between Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris took another dramatic turn at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, as McLaren’s pit-stop drama and team orders reshaped the race outcome.
Verstappen Dominates, McLaren Faces Tough Calls
While Max Verstappen cruised to another comfortable victory for Red Bull, attention quickly shifted to the tense intra-team battle at McLaren. Both Norris and Piastri had held off making pit stops in the hope of a late safety car. With no incident arriving, McLaren called in Piastri first, followed by Norris a lap later.
But disaster struck for Norris. A slow 5.9-second stop, caused by issues with the front-left tyre change, meant he rejoined behind teammate Piastri. With Norris trailing in the drivers’ championship, McLaren suddenly faced a crucial decision.
Team Orders Spark Controversy
Race engineer Tom Stallard relayed instructions from team principal Andrea Stella, telling Piastri to allow Norris through. The situation echoed the Hungarian Grand Prix last season, when Norris eventually yielded a win to Piastri under similar circumstances.
“Please let Lando past, and you’re free to race,” Stallard told the Australian.
Piastri, who rarely challenges decisions over team radio, expressed his frustration:
“We said a slow pit stop was part of racing. I don’t really get what changed here. But if you really want to do it, then I’ll do it.”
Ultimately, Piastri complied, handing second place back to Norris as McLaren sought to balance team strategy with the ongoing championship fight.
What It Means for the Title Battle
The result keeps Norris closer to Piastri in the standings, adding more intensity to one of the most fascinating teammate rivalries in recent years. With Verstappen extending his dominance and McLaren managing internal battles, the upcoming races promise even more drama.
