Controversy surrounding Piastri's team order decision:
McLaren's Piastri and Norris Discuss Team Orders After Monza Controversy
In the aftermath of the controversial pit stop incident during the 2025 Italian Grand Prix, current Formula 1 championship leader, Oscar Piastri, and teammate Lando Norris held clarifying talks with McLaren management.
The pit stop in question took place shortly after Piastri was instructed to let Norris overtake him again, following a botched pit stop. This decision, which can often be a tactical disadvantage, saw Norris called in before Piastri, but he ended up behind him after a longer stop in Monza.
Despite the incident, both Piastri and Norris have followed team instructions so far. In Monza, Piastri let Norris pass him, but the Australian driver was quick to assert that he did not deserve the second place finish with his speed.
Piastri has a commanding lead in the championship standings, with a 94-point advantage over four-time world champion Max Verstappen. He also holds a 31-point lead over Norris.
When asked if he would have given up the position for a win, Piastri replied, "But it wasn't." He also stated that McLaren bosses want the decision between him and Norris to be made on the track.
The discussions between Piastri and McLaren management about how they want to race are to remain confidential. However, it is understood that both drivers may be "easy targets" if they reveal the details of their discussions with the team management.
McLaren, for their part, have no designated number one driver. Max Verstappen of Red Bull took the victory in Monza, with Norris finishing second and Piastri in third. As the championship continues, the battle between Piastri and Norris promises to be a fascinating one to watch.
Ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Piastri was reluctant to discuss the details of his talks with McLaren management. With the championship standings as they are, it will be interesting to see how the team manages their star drivers in the coming races.
