Lando Norris has defended McLaren's decision to use team orders at the Italian Grand Prix, insisting the team will continue to prioritise its strategy regardless of external criticism. The British driver benefited from a late-race swap with teammate Oscar Piastri, who moved aside to allow Norris to reclaim second place after a slow pit stop cost him track position.
Max Verstappen won the race for Red Bull at Monza, with Norris and Piastri finishing second and third respectively. Norris had held second for most of the race but dropped behind Piastri following a slow pit stop caused by a wheel gun issue. McLaren then instructed Piastri to let Norris back through, which he did, reducing Norris's championship deficit to 31 points.
Norris acknowledged he did not enjoy benefiting from the order but stood by the team's call. 'We do what we think is correct as a team no matter what people say,' he said. 'If there were four cars between me and Oscar, of course he is not going to let me back past. But if there is a situation where you can be fair, you would expect to be fair as a team.'
Piastri, who could have gained three points on Norris by refusing to move, expressed no regrets. 'It was a fair decision,' he said. 'Lando was ahead the whole race. It wasn't through any fault of his own. Ultimately, whoever wins the championship wants to have won it through their own performances.'
Team principal Andrea Stella confirmed the team would review the incident and refine its principles regarding slow pit stops. 'We will review the case and reinforce the direction if this is in agreement with our drivers,' he said.
Norris, who was booed on the podium, remained unfazed. 'The cheers were louder than the boos,' he said.
