Piastri: “Very Important” to Protect McLaren Crew After Norris Pit Stop Error

Oscar Piastri has defended McLaren’s decision to impose team orders at the Italian Grand Prix, saying it was “very important” to protect the crew after a pit stop error cost Lando Norris dearly.

Norris had been running comfortably ahead of Piastri when a slow stop—caused by an issue securing the front-left tyre—dropped him behind his teammate. McLaren quickly instructed Piastri to give the place back, a move that cost the Australian six points in the drivers’ standings.

Although initially hesitant, Piastri complied and later explained why he believed it was the right call. “We’ve said many times that we don’t want the chance of success just for this year,” he told reporters. “There’s a big regulation change next year – we don’t know how competitive we’re going to be, and we don’t know how competitive anyone’s going to be. Ultimately, we want the best chance at winning championships for as long as we’re Formula 1 drivers, and we’re both at McLaren for a very long time.

“Protecting the people around us that give us this opportunity is a very important thing. It’s easy enough to put yourself second at times like that.”

The nine-time race winner added that Norris had been the stronger driver throughout the race, so he had “no concern” in correcting the misfortune. “If we were fighting very closely for the whole race, then it’s slightly different, but Lando was ahead by a few seconds the whole race, so there’s no concern for me with that,” Piastri said.

He also made a point of acknowledging the pit crew member involved in the error. “Protecting the people, that includes the people doing the pit stops. It’s not a very nice feeling, I would imagine. It’s important to protect all the people that we have because that’s what gives us a championship hope for years to come.”

With McLaren firmly in the title fight this season, Piastri’s comments underline the team’s focus on long-term unity and resilience, even when short-term sacrifices are required.

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