Matteo Bobbi: McLaren Showed 'Integrity' with Monza Team Order

Matteo Bobbi, a former Minardi test driver, believes McLaren displayed "integrity" by instructing Oscar Piastri to yield his position to Lando Norris during the Italian Grand Prix. Bobbi highlighted the move as a way to "give back" to Norris after a mechanical reliability issue forced him to retire from the previous Dutch Grand Prix.

Why it matters

Team orders often spark controversy in Formula 1, but Bobbi's perspective frames McLaren's decision as a demonstration of fairness. It aimed to balance the scales for Norris's recent misfortune and ensure a "clean" internal championship battle between the two drivers.

The big picture

While Piastri initially voiced dissatisfaction, he later agreed the decision was "fair" for the team. This underscores McLaren's intent to manage its drivers' competition equitably, potentially fostering better team cohesion and long-term trust, despite the immediate on-track rivalry.

The details

• Norris was comfortably set for second place at Monza but lost track position to Piastri due to a slow pit stop, despite being assured no undercut would occur.
• McLaren intervened, ordering Piastri to move aside, which he reluctantly did.
• Bobbi linked the decision to Norris's mechanical failure at Zandvoort, suggesting it was a form of compensation.
• The team order resulted in a crucial six-point swing in the drivers' championship, preventing Piastri's lead over Norris from increasing to 37 points.
• Bobbi emphasized that McLaren's action showed their desire for a "clean" and fair fight between their two drivers.

What's next

This incident could set a precedent for how McLaren manages internal competition, particularly as the season progresses and the stakes potentially rise. It signals the team's willingness to intervene to ensure perceived fairness among its drivers, balancing individual performance with broader team objectives.