Piastri and Norris Highlight Team Unity Amid Italian GP Tactics
Monza, Italy – Oscar Piastri underscored the importance of team orders following a strategic decision by McLaren during the Italian Grand Prix. Late in the race, Piastri was instructed to allow teammate Lando Norris to pass him after a slow pit stop cost Norris valuable track position. This maneuver was implemented to maintain a balanced drivers’ championship competition and alleviate any undue pressure on the pit crew.
Piastri expressed a broader vision for the team’s future, emphasizing that adherence to team strategies is essential for long-term success. “We want the best chance at winning championships for as long as we’re Formula 1 drivers,” Piastri stated. He pointed out that the upcoming regulatory changes next season add uncertainty to the competitive landscape, making it crucial for both drivers to work together.
Addressing the race dynamics, Piastri noted, “If we were fighting very closely for the whole race, then it’s slightly different, but Lando was ahead by a few seconds.” He stressed the need to protect team personnel, particularly after mistakes, stating, “It’s important to protect all the people that we have because that’s what gives us a championship hope for years to come.”
Norris echoed this sentiment, reinforcing the priority of team unity over individual aspirations. “The team is number one, then the drivers are second,” he affirmed. Norris highlighted the historical context, suggesting that teams lacking respect for internal dynamics often face instability. “We want to be in this position for a longer period… without the team, then we’re just fighting for tenth, and none of us want that,” he stated.
Both drivers’ comments reflect an emerging culture of collaboration within McLaren, aiming for sustained competitiveness in Formula 1 amidst an evolving environment.
