P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Martin Brundle defends McLaren drivers after Italian GP team orders: “Don’t judge them”
Martin Brundle defended McLaren’s decision to implement team orders during the Italian Grand Prix to cover off their competitors.
Despite a quiet race up until the pit stops, McLaren chose to pit Oscar Piastri ahead of lead driver Lando Norris, causing Piastri to undercut Norris despite a significant time gap.
Following a slow pit stop for Norris, McLaren intervened and instructed Piastri to yield the position back to his teammate.
Brundle argued in his post-race column that fans should not judge the drivers for following team orders, as it was important for McLaren’s overall strategy.
The incident at the Italian GP was not the first time McLaren had to intervene with team orders, as a similar situation occurred during Piastri’s maiden F1 victory in Hungary.
Both Norris and Piastri were praised for their teamwork and strategic thinking in a tense championship battle.
