Piastri Accepts Monza Team Orders Despite Initial Hesitation

Oscar Piastri has acknowledged that, despite a controversial team order at Monza that saw him cede second place to Lando Norris, the final result accurately reflected his performance. The McLaren driver, now leading the championship, confirmed that discussions with the team and his manager, Mark Webber, have clarified future approaches to similar situations.

Why it matters:

McLaren's handling of team orders, particularly as the drivers' championship intensifies between Piastri and Norris, is under scrutiny. Clarity on these protocols is crucial for maintaining team cohesion and ensuring both drivers feel they have a fair shot at the title, especially with McLaren potentially clinching the constructors' championship in Baku.

The Details:

• Monza Controversy: Piastri was instructed to let Norris pass for second place after McLaren pitted Piastri first to protect him from Charles Leclerc, a move that drew fan backlash.
• Performance Reality: Piastri stated, "I didn’t deserve to finish second because of the pace I had. I was quick at certain points, but not quick enough the whole weekend." This sentiment suggests a pragmatic acceptance of his race pace.
• Contributing Factors: While initially questioning the call due to a slow pit stop, Piastri later understood there was an "another factor outside of the slow pit stop, being the order we pitted in," which contributed to the swap.
• Team Discussions: Post-Monza, McLaren held extensive talks with both drivers to establish clear guidelines for future team order scenarios. Piastri confirmed: "We’ve had a lot of discussions, clarified a lot of things, and we know how we’re going to go racing going forward."
• Webber's Input: Piastri's manager, Mark Webber, who famously experienced team order issues with Sebastian Vettel at Red Bull, was reportedly "on the same page" with the team's resolution.
• Driver Freedom: Despite the controversy, Piastri believes McLaren's approach still allows both drivers "enough freedom to control our own destiny in the championship," acknowledging that any decision would divide fan opinion.
• Norris's Agreement: Lando Norris echoed Piastri's sentiments, stating that the team has a "very good understanding of, and all accept it" regarding the protocols.

What's next:

McLaren is on the verge of securing the constructors' championship in Baku if one driver wins and the other finishes on the podium. This would set the stage for a direct contest between Piastri and Norris for the drivers' crown. The success of their newly established team order protocols will be vital in managing this internal rivalry as the season progresses.