McLaren Orders Piastri Behind Norris at Italian GP Amid Internal Controversy

At the 2025 Italian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen dominated with a commanding victory, but the spotlight was on McLaren's internal team orders involving drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Norris, who had been ahead for most of the race, was delayed in a pit stop due to a faulty wheel gun, allowing Piastri to briefly take second place. McLaren promptly instructed Piastri to let Norris pass back, a decision reflecting the team's commitment to fairness and consistent racing principles rather than favoritism. Piastri initially questioned the order but complied, embodying sportsmanship that McLaren team principal Andrea Stella praised as aligning with the team's values. Despite fan backlash criticizing the team orders as unfair to Piastri, both drivers and management emphasized the importance of maintaining equal championship opportunities within the team. Norris stated he would have done the same if roles were reversed, reinforcing the cooperative dynamic between the McLaren teammates amid a tightly contested season.