Toto Wolff Questions McLaren's Monza Team Order, Warns of Precedent

McLaren's decision to implement team orders at the Italian Grand Prix, instructing Oscar Piastri to cede position to Lando Norris, has drawn scrutiny from Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff. Wolff expressed "curiosity" about the long-term implications, warning that such a move sets a difficult precedent for the remainder of the season.### Why it mattersTeam orders are highly controversial in F1, balancing sporting fairness with strategic team objectives. Wolff, having managed the intense Lewis Hamilton-Nico Rosberg rivalry, understands the complexities and potential fallout of such decisions. McLaren's choice could shape their drivers' championship dynamics.### The details* During the Italian GP, with Norris and Piastri running 1-2, Piastri pitted first. A slow pit stop for Norris allowed Piastri to emerge ahead.* McLaren then instructed Piastri to allow Norris back into second place. Piastri initially resisted, citing the slow pit stop as part of racing.* This move narrowed the gap between Norris and Piastri in the standings to 31 points.* Wolff acknowledged no "right or wrong" in the decision but highlighted the difficulty of undoing such a precedent, especially if future team errors occur.### What's nextWolff believes the true impact of McLaren's decision will become clear "towards the end of the season, when it heats up." He reflected on his own past management of internal team rivalries, suggesting that letting drivers race fair-and-square, with intervention only if they make contact, might be a better approach than over-managing. This situation puts McLaren under pressure to maintain consistency in their team order policy.