McLaren explains factors behind team orders controversy in F1 Hungarian GP

McLaren has clarified the factors leading to its team orders controversy during the Hungarian Grand Prix, where a dominant 1-2 finish was achieved but not without complications. The controversy arose when Lando Norris was pitted first, giving him an undercut and the lead over Oscar Piastri. This decision led to a back-and-forth between Norris and the pitwall when asked to reverse positions, which he eventually did with two laps remaining.

Norris remarked, “We should have just boxed Oscar first and things would have been simple, but they gave me the lead and I gave it back”. Piastri added, “The information I had at the time was Lando was boxing early to cover Lewis [Hamilton], and I was going long to cover Max [Verstappen]” .

Team boss Andrea Stella explained that the strategy was influenced by the need to protect against Hamilton’s fresh tyres and potential tyre degradation. Stella stated, “We didn't want to pit too early. Because the tyres were degrading a lot, and we didn't want to run out of tyres should Verstappen become a problem at the end of the race”.

McLaren’s decision to pit Norris first was dictated by concerns about Hamilton and Verstappen’s strategies. Stella emphasized, “At no point should the car, for instance because of a pitstop problem, fall behind the traffic of Hamilton and Ferrari”.

Despite the controversy, Stella acknowledged the need for improvement, saying, “It will be arrogant that we take this very positive outcome, and we don't look at the opportunities to do better”.