P1racenews AI automatic summary:
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has explained the Woking squad’s decision-making process as it imposed team orders in the sprint for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
Andrea Stella defended McLaren’s decision to delay implementing team orders during the Sao Paulo Grand Prix sprint race, explaining that they were waiting for the right opportunity to switch Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, but it never materialized. Piastri eventually obeyed the team’s instructions to swap positions with Norris towards the end of the race, just before a virtual safety car period caused by Nico Hulkenberg’s stranded Haas. Despite a potential risk, the team’s strategic move paid off as Piastri fended off Max Verstappen, helping Norris secure a victory. The McLaren team principal praised the drivers’ cohesive work and expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stressing the importance of team unity. The one-two finish extended McLaren’s lead over Ferrari in the constructors’ championship and allowed Norris to reduce Verstappen’s lead in the drivers’ standings. Stella acknowledged the challenges of managing two lead drivers but emphasized the team’s commitment to fostering a supportive and cohesive environment.
