McLaren and the Delicate Dance of Team Orders: An In-Depth Analysis
Formula 1, known for its unpredictability, often adds an extra ingredient of drama: the competition between teammates for the drivers’ title. McLaren, with Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris as contenders, faces this paradox with a series of strategic decisions that have marked the last seasons.
This year’s Italian Grand Prix demonstrated the difficulty of maintaining fairness between drivers, but the decision to swap positions between Piastri and Norris is the result of more than a year of complex decisions and potential points of conflict. We analyze how McLaren arrived at this situation and the precedents established for the eight races that will define the 2025 season.
2024 Hungarian Grand Prix: The First Chapter
At the 2024 Hungarian Grand Prix, McLaren was still adjusting to its new competitiveness. Norris, with only one victory, and Piastri, seeking his first win, found themselves at a crossroads. Norris led from pole position, but Piastri overtook him at the first corner. The team’s strategy focused on protecting Norris, which led to a controversial decision.
- McLaren, walking the fairness tightrope with Norris and Piastri
- Oscar Piastri says McLaren team orders for Lando Norris were ‘fair’
- 2025 Italian Grand Prix Recap: Results and highlights, with Verstappen dominant
Finally, Norris complied with the order, securing Piastri’s first victory and a one-two finish for McLaren. This episode established a key precedent: if the second driver is prioritized for strategic reasons, it is expected that any position change will be reversed on the track.“I know you’ll do the right thing,” Joseph said to Norris. “Well, you should have stopped it first,” Norris replied.
Statements by Will Joseph and Lando Norris
2024 Italian Grand Prix: The Strategic Turn
In the 2024 Italian Grand Prix, the situation changed. Red Bull, with problems, opened the possibility for Norris to compete for the title. McLaren, without explicitly backing one driver over the other, modified its approach after Monza. Norris, after a victory in Zandvoort, achieved the pole position, but Piastri snatched the lead on the track. Norris, seeking to avoid a collision, lost a position to Charles Leclerc. Leclerc won the race, while Piastri and Norris completed the podium. Following this event, McLaren agreed to support Norris’s campaign, without requiring Piastri to concede victories, but requesting that he concede positions in specific situations.“It’s a lot to ask,” said Piastri. “But I’ve been given a great opportunity in F1. It’s something that won’t be forgotten in the future.”
Statements by Oscar Piastri
2024 Brazilian Sprint Race: The Decision in Favor of Norris
In the sprint race in Brazil, the decision to favor Norris had a direct impact. Piastri led for 22 laps before McLaren asked him to give way to his teammate. Norris, grateful, acknowledged the teamwork.This event, with little controversy, reinforced McLaren’s support for Norris’s candidacy.“I’m not proud of it,” Norris said. “But we work well as a team. I thank Oscar, but we did a great job as a team.”
Lando Norris’ statements
Qatar Sprint Race 2024: Piastri’s Gesture
Following Verstappen’s coronation in the Qatar sprint race, Norris conceded the victory to Piastri, demonstrating the sportsmanship between both drivers, despite team instructions. This gesture, contrary to team orders, highlighted the fair play relationship between the drivers.2025 Australian Grand Prix: Race Intervention
In the 2025 Australian Grand Prix, McLaren tried to control the battle between its drivers, ordering Piastri not to attack Norris while they were overtaking traffic. Although Piastri struggled, this was the first time McLaren directly intervened in the fight between its drivers.
2025 Canadian Grand Prix: Maturity on the Track
In Montreal, a collision between Norris and Piastri, with Norris taking the blame, demonstrated the maturity of the drivers in handling tense situations. This incident, without major consequences, helped reduce internal pressure.2025 Austrian Grand Prix: Respect in Competition
In Austria, Piastri received a warning for an overtaking attempt, but apologized to Norris. McLaren saw this incident as a test of mutual respect and lessons learned.“I’m proud of Oscar, because as soon as he crossed the finish line, he said: ‘I’m sorry about the situation at turn four. I made a mistake. I know what I have to do'”.
Statements by Andrea Stella
2025 British Grand Prix: The Failed Petition
In Silverstone, Piastri, penalized, requested a position swap with Norris, but McLaren denied the request, respecting the stewards’ decision. Stella highlighted the importance of open communication between the drivers and the team.
2025 Hungarian Grand Prix: Strategy and Freedom
In Hungary, McLaren allowed Norris to opt for a different strategy, which led him to victory. This demonstrated the policy of racing freedom between teammates, balancing on-track competition with the team’s interest.“We want to put on a great show for Formula 1,” Stella stated. “We want to give our two drivers the possibility to use, express their talent, pursue their aspirations, their personal success, and this must happen within the limits of the team’s interest and of fairness, sportsmanship and mutual respect.”
Statements by Andrea Stella
Italian Grand Prix 2025: The Final Chapter
In the most recent Italian Grand Prix, McLaren chose to extend the stints of Norris and Piastri, which led to an exchange of positions after a pit stop. Piastri was ordered to yield the position to Norris, repeating the precedent of Hungary 2024. The situation generated controversy, but Stella defended the decision, arguing that the team’s interest was prioritized.
