P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Were McLaren right to use team orders during the Italian Grand Prix? David Coulthard doesn’t think so
Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard accused McLaren of “manipulating” the Italian Grand Prix with their late team orders call. Despite McLaren being the clear second-best team at Monza, the attention was on the battle for second in the final laps. Norris suggested pitting Piastri first to maintain track position ahead of Charles Leclerc in fourth. Piastri’s pit stop went smoothly, but a slow stop for Norris caused him to drop behind his F1 title rival. To rectify the situation, Piastri was instructed to let Norris pass as it was the team’s error. Many have questioned McLaren’s decision, including Mercedes boss Toto Wolff and Max Verstappen, with Coulthard feeling “uncomfortable” with the manipulation in racing.
