Ecclestone Accuses McLaren of Bias Towards Norris After Team Order

McLaren's controversial team order, instructing Oscar Piastri to yield position to Lando Norris after a slow pit stop, has drawn sharp criticism from F1 veteran Bernie Ecclestone, who suggests the team favors Norris. This incident has sparked a significant paddock debate regarding fairness and team strategy.

The Details:

• Norris suffered a nearly four-second pit stop issue, dropping him behind teammate Piastri.
• Piastri, in second, was then ordered to let Norris pass.
• He initially resisted, citing "a slow pit stop was part of racing," but complied; Norris finished second.

Reactions:

Bernie Ecclestone, 94, strongly criticized the move, claiming McLaren shows bias: "You slowly get the feeling that McLaren prefers a world champion named Lando Norris."

• Red Bull's Helmut Marko sarcastically called it "very fair," while Max Verstappen declared, "I would not have done that."
• Mercedes' Toto Wolff warned McLaren against setting a "precedent that is very difficult to undo," stressing clear strategy.
• Sky Sports' Martin Brundle, however, defended McLaren, asserting the reversal was crucial for team cohesion.

McLaren's Stance:

Team Principal Andrea Stella affirmed the decision was based on principles of consistency and fairness to restore the pre-pit stop order, not favoritism. Piastri currently leads Norris by 31 points in the Drivers' Championship, adding tension to their internal dynamic.