P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Why Norris challenging team orders was part of McLaren protocol
In the race, McLaren instructed Lando Norris not to challenge his teammate Oscar Piastri and to hold his position for the team’s benefit. Norris questioned this decision, expressing that he believed he was faster than Piastri and could gain more positions. McLaren’s team boss, Andrea Stella, clarified that they encourage their drivers to challenge their decisions and express their opinions, but once a decision is made, they expect the drivers to respect it. Piastri also admitted to being surprised by the team’s intervention but accepted it for the greater good of the team’s result. McLaren justified their decision based on the concerns about tire issues and track limits that could have jeopardized their positions. They didn’t want to take any unnecessary risks, referencing Norris’s past tire failure in Qatar and the importance of bringing the cars home safely.
Source: motorsport
