McLaren enforced team rules at the Italian GP, forcing Oscar Piastri to cede second place to his teammate Lando Norris.
As a result, it cuts down Piastri’s championship lead to 31 points with eight races remaining.
Following a slow pit stop, Norris dropped to third behind Piastri and Max Verstappen.
McLaren Enforces Team Rules in Controversial End to Italian GP
McLaren had the perfect Italian GP with both drivers finishing 2nd and 3rd, whilst Red Bull’s Max Verstappen claimed the victory. Both drivers were instructed to go long on their stints in the hope of a safety car, which never came. This led to Oscar Piastri pitting on Lap 45 despite being third and behind his teammate Lando Norris.
However, when the British driver decided to pit a lap later, a fault with the wheel gun meant that Norris’ stop was four seconds slower than that of his teammates. As a result, Piastri found himself promoted to second. Following this, McLaren instructed Piastri to let Norris through, a decision with which the Australian didn’t agree. Despite this, Piastri let his teammate through, who thanked him.
After the Italian GP, Oscar Piastri said, “Clearly it was a valid reason to swap back, Lando was ahead the entire race, so I get that, but there are some things we need to discuss.” Meanwhile, Lando Norris argued that it was the fairest way to determine the positions.
Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris Set to Face Off for Maiden Drivers’ Championship Title
Since the start of the 2025 season, McLaren has been the clear favourite for the title. The early challenge from Max Verstappen faded as Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri exchanged wins for the British-based team. As a result, Piastri has opened up a 31-point lead over Norris with only eight races remaining.
With the Driver’s Championship on the line, tensions could rise between the two drivers as they battle for their maiden F1 title. It also remains to be seen how McLaren handles any other racing decisions, given how tight the gap is between both of their drivers.
Do you think McLaren made the right decision regarding Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris swapping positions? Comment below
