Verstappen Wins Italian GP, McLaren Team Order Sparks Controversy

Max Verstappen won the Italian Grand Prix in a dominant display, but McLaren's controversial decision to swap its two drivers in the latter stages became the race's main talking point.

Why it matters:

The victory at Monza marked another strong performance for Verstappen, yet the attention quickly shifted to McLaren's handling of its drivers. This team order decision has significant implications for both driver and constructor championships and fuels debate about fairness and strategy.

The big picture:

Verstappen, after an early skirmish with Lando Norris and briefly ceding the lead, quickly reasserted his dominance. He then pulled away comfortably, leaving the McLarens to battle behind. However, it was the late-race call from the McLaren pit wall that truly defined the event.

The details:

• Verstappen's Drive: After running off track at Turn 1 and temporarily losing the lead to Norris, Verstappen swiftly reclaimed P1 and managed the race with ease, securing his latest victory.
• McLaren's Battle & Swap: Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri ran second and third for much of the race. Following their pit stops in the closing laps, a slow stop for Norris initially placed Piastri ahead of him. However, McLaren then instructed Piastri, who was leading the championship, to move aside for Norris. Piastri complied, sparking widespread discussion.
• Mid-field Action: Charles Leclerc fiercely defended against Piastri early on but ultimately couldn't match the McLaren's pace. Lewis Hamilton made a strong recovery drive from 10th to 6th.
• Incidents: Fernando Alonso retired with a spectacular front-right suspension failure. Carlos Sainz and Oliver Bearman tangled at the second chicane on Lap 41, resulting in a 10-second penalty for Bearman.

Race Results (Top 10):

1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
2. Lando Norris (McLaren)
3. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
5. George Russell (Mercedes)
6. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
7. Alex Albon (Williams)
8. Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber)
9. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
10. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls)

What's next:

Oscar Piastri now leads the Drivers' Championship by 31 points over Lando Norris. McLaren is also poised to potentially clinch the Constructors' Championship at the next race in Azerbaijan, adding further weight to their strategic decisions.