P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Nigel Mansell has defended McLaren’s team orders stance, citing a “howler of a mistake” by Lando Norris as more consequential to the drivers’ championship battle with Max Verstappen.
Nigel Mansell disagrees with McLaren’s decision to implement team orders earlier in the season, citing Lando Norris’ “howler of a mistake” as evidence. The former F1 champion commended McLaren for maintaining parity between Norris and Piastri initially, applauding the team’s performance overall. Despite criticism, Mansell praised McLaren’s professionalism and handling of both drivers, emphasizing that mistakes have been made by both Norris and Piastri. Mansell highlighted Norris’ error in the Austrian Grand Prix and the missed opportunity it represented for McLaren in the title fight. Although Norris currently trails Verstappen in the standings, Mansell believes it is up to Norris to improve and achieve success on his own merit.
