P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Is Lando Norris catching Max Verstappen quickly enough to have earned priority? Should McLaren sacrifice Oscar Piastri (in rich F1 form) to boost his team-mate’s cause? Will the ‘papaya rules’ need broadening? Here’s our take on McLaren’s team orders predicament
McLaren faces a dilemma in managing Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in Formula 1. The team is closing in on Red Bull in the constructors’ championship and Norris is chasing Max Verstappen in the drivers’ championship. The question arises whether McLaren should prioritize boosting Norris’s chances even if it means sacrificing Piastri. Some believe Norris may not be in a proper title fight against Verstappen, while others see it differently based on points differentials. The team needs to carefully balance supporting Norris without undermining Piastri’s performance. McLaren’s focus should be on the constructors’ championship, ensuring both drivers are driven to perform their best.
