Lando Norris booed after McLaren team orders spark Italian Grand Prix controversy
McLaren's Lando Norris celebrates after qualifying in pole position in the Formula One Australian Grand Prix Qualifying at Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit in Melbourne on March 15. PHOTO: REUTERS
Lando Norris was met with boos from some fans as he stepped onto the podium at Monza, following a contentious team orders situation during the Italian Grand Prix. Max Verstappen took victory, earning his first win since May with a composed drive, but the spotlight shifted to McLaren’s handling of its drivers.
norris getting booed 💀 pic.twitter.com/mA4QCi2xOn
Norris had lost time due to a delayed pit stop, after instructing McLaren to service Oscar Piastri first. The setback placed him behind his teammate and title rival on track. To recover, McLaren issued an instruction over the radio, telling Piastri to allow Norris through.
The Australian initially questioned the order, pointing out: “We said that a slow pit stop was part of racing so I don’t really get what changed here? But I will do it.” Ultimately, he complied, allowing Norris to retake position.
Up front, Verstappen was informed of the situation by his engineer and could not suppress his laughter, responding: “Just because he had a slow pit stop?” His reaction underlined the divisive nature of the call.
For many spectators, the order recalled past controversies where McLaren’s priorities between drivers came under scrutiny. As Norris climbed the podium, the scattered boos from sections of the Monza crowd reflected the unease among fans about fairness within the team.
The decision has fueled renewed debate in the paddock and online about how far team strategies should go in shaping race outcomes, especially when both drivers are in contention for the championship.