P1racenews AI automatic summary:
McLaren opted to impose team orders at the Australian Grand Prix in a successful bid to score a podium with Lando Norris.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella defended the decision to swap cars during the Australian Grand Prix, as Lando Norris had fresher tires and more pace than Oscar Piastri. The position swap occurred on lap 29, with Norris taking third place from Piastri. Stella explained that the swap was not strategic but rather executional, as Norris was always going to overtake Piastri due to tire advantage. Despite denying Piastri a home podium, McLaren believed their only chance to secure second place was with Norris. Stella emphasized the importance of tire freshness in gaining speed and acknowledged Ferrari’s speed in the race.
