McLaren claims ‘teams interest comes first’ following Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris’ Italian GP antics

McLaren has stated that the team's interest comes before the drivers' personal goals after Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris' Italian GP antics.

McLaren claims ‘teams interest comes first’ following Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris’ Italian GP antics

Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris (image via IMAGO)

McLaren teammates Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were involved in a strong tussle at the start of the Italian GP a few weeks back. Piastri swiftly made a move on Norris during the opening lap to snatch the lead from his teammate.

The incident led to major discussions. Some deemed Oscar Piastri‘s move as reckless while others termed it brilliant. Many also claimed that Lando Norris was powerless against Piastri and should have been more cautious in saving his lead.

Following the incident, the Woking-based outfit’s team principal Andrea Stella has outlined his thoughts on the dynamic duo. He said that the team’s needs come before the personal goals of the drivers.

The team interests come first and these are the situations that above all we need to fix because as a matter of fact, the way we entered the race in Monza left the door open for this situation.
Andrea Stella said ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Heading into an exciting race in Baku this weekend, both drivers will look to perform collectively as a team to secure maximum results. They will hope to compensate around the mean streets of Baku for the lost win in Monza.

Andrea Stella claims that McLaren will shift their bias towards Lando Norris

Andrea Stella has clarified the team’s approach ahead of a crucial outing at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. While the Papaya team has been fairly efficient in the constructors’ championship, it has not been the case in the drivers’ championship.

Andrea Stella and Lando Norris
Andrea Stella and Lando Norris (via IMAGO)

Lando Norris is currently second in the drivers’ championship, trailing Max Verstappen by 62 points currently. Stella has therefore claimed that McLaren will give preference to Norris if and when the time comes.

The overall concept is we are incredibly determined to win, but we want to win in the right way. We [will] bias our support to Lando but we want to do it without too much compromise on our principles.
Andrea Stella told the BBC

Norris is currently in desperate need of wins if he wishes to edge closer to Max Verstappen. With the correct decisions and the right pace, the 24-year-old could bag hai maiden title.