McLaren's 'Fairness' Tightrope After Monza Team Order for Norris, Piastri

Why it matters:

McLaren is navigating a complex "fairness" policy between championship contenders Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, a strategy that came under intense scrutiny after a controversial team order at the Italian Grand Prix. This approach contrasts sharply with rivals and raises questions about its long-term viability in a heated title fight.

The details:

• During the Italian Grand Prix, Lando Norris suffered a four-second pit stop error, causing him to fall behind teammate Oscar Piastri.
• McLaren then instructed Piastri to let Norris pass, citing "fairness" due to the pit stop error. Piastri initially questioned the order but complied.
• This decision reduced Norris's championship lead over Piastri to 31 points, a significant six-point swing.
• Red Bull's Max Verstappen openly chuckled at the situation, implying he would not have obeyed a similar order. Mercedes' Toto Wolff warned McLaren had "opened a can of worms" by setting a difficult precedent.
• McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella justified the call, stating it aligned with the team's principles of ensuring the championship runs within McLaren's established values and "racing fairness."

The bigger picture:

• McLaren CEO Zak Brown believes he has the best driver lineup in modern F1, and both drivers have been championship contenders. The team has fostered a respectful culture, even after on-track incidents.
• However, the Monza incident highlights the challenge of maintaining "fairness" when team errors directly impact race positions and championship points.
• Past incidents, like Piastri's Hungary win (after Norris obeyed a team order) and the "papaya rules" clarification in Monza 2024, show McLaren's ongoing struggle with defining clear racing policies for its closely matched drivers.
• The team's decision not to reverse positions when Piastri received a penalty at the British Grand Prix further complicates what constitutes "fairness."

What's next:

McLaren will review the Monza events but intends to stick to its principles. The true test of their "fairness" policy will come as the championship intensifies over the remaining eight races, especially if team errors or on-track incidents occur with rival cars in the mix. Norris and Piastri acknowledge the policy's limits when external factors are involved, suggesting future situations may not be as straightforward.