P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Lando Norris conceded he was “not proud” to win the Sprint race at F1’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix due to a McLaren team order seeing Oscar Piastri cede the lead.
Piastri, who started from pole position, was leading Norris in Brazil until McLaren’s intervention on the final three laps resulted in him moving aside near Turn 4. There was significant attention leading up to the race regarding whether Piastri would yield his position to Norris, given McLaren’s priority on the Briton’s championship points. Despite Piastri being willing to sacrifice a potential race win for his teammate, Norris led a McLaren 1-2 finish, narrowing Max Verstappen’s points lead to 45. The topic of team orders was discussed in McLaren’s pre-race briefing, but executing a swap was complicated by the presence of Leclerc and Verstappen close behind. Norris explained that they considered various scenarios but found it challenging to plan and execute a swap earlier due to the close competition. While acknowledging the necessary team dynamics, Norris expressed that winning under such circumstances did not bring him as much joy as earning a victory based on merit in the actual Grand Prix. He emphasized McLaren’s strong teamwork ethic and their shared goal of competing for both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships, highlighting the importance of working together as a cohesive unit under team orders.
