Verstappen Wins Italian GP as McLaren Orders Piastri-Norris Swap

At the Italian Grand Prix, Red Bull's Max Verstappen won comfortably, while a late pit stop mishap at McLaren led to a controversial decision to swap the positions of teammates Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. Piastri initially emerged ahead of Norris after pit stops due to Norris’s slow tire change, but McLaren ordered Piastri to let Norris pass to restore the original running order, narrowing Norris's championship deficit to 31 points. Piastri complied, though he expressed some confusion over the decision, pointing out that slow pit stops are part of racing, but accepted the call in the spirit of team strategy. McLaren team principal Andrea Stella defended the move as fair and unrelated to Norris's previous race retirement, emphasizing the team’s intent to manage their drivers' relationship carefully. IndyCar driver Scott McLaughlin publicly questioned McLaren's decision, stating Piastri had no reason to give up second place, highlighting ongoing criticism of McLaren's team orders. Despite the controversy, both drivers remained in good spirits post-race, and Piastri continues to lead the championship standings.