P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Lando Norris has revealed he overruled his race engineer’s call in giving up the Sprint race win at the F1 Qatar Grand Prix to McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri.
Lando Norris led most of the 19-lap race but tactically gave up the lead to Oscar Piastri near the finish line, ensuring a maximum points haul for McLaren. Norris protected his pole position advantage at the start, allowing Piastri to move ahead of George Russell’s Mercedes. Facing pressure from Russell, McLaren instructed Norris to slow down and grant Piastri the DRS advantage. In the end, Norris selflessly moved aside to let Piastri take the Sprint race victory, a decision he had planned since a similar gesture from Piastri in Brazil. Despite initial resistance from his engineer, Norris felt strongly about repaying his teammate’s support and acknowledged the successful teamwork within McLaren this season. The strategic decision to prioritize team success over individual glory showcased McLaren’s strength and unity on the track.
