Oscar Piatsri defends McLaren’s team order to let Lando Norris pass at Australian GP

McLaren managed a third and fourth place finish at the Australian GP.

Oscar Piatsri defends McLaren’s team order to let Lando Norris pass at Australian GP

Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris (Via: Imago)

The 58-lap Australian GP was thrown wide open when the Red Bull of Max Verstappen suffered a mechanical failure and had to retire. This allowed teams like Ferrari and McLaren to cash in on the opportunity. However, Oscar Piastri, at his home race was instructed by his team to let Lando Norris pass, who later claimed a third-place podium when the chequered flag was waved.

The race was won by a returning Carlos Sainz, who controlled the race since taking the lead on lap two. On the other hand, the McLarens were close to Ferrari‘s pace, and team orders were at play at the Australian GP. As mentioned earlier, Oscar Piastri was asked to let his teammate, Lando Norris through after he undercut the Brit. This raised questions within the paddock.

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After the race, the 22-year-old was asked about how he felt after giving up the podium for his teammate.

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For me, it was completely fair. He qualified in front of me yesterday, he went a bit longer on the first stop, he was catching me and quicker at that point of the race. At that point, I was keeping with Leclerc, and Lando was catching both of us. So I was honestly kind of hoping he'd pass me and go and get Charles. But yeah, I mean, that was completely fair. Of course, at home, I would have loved to be able to stay in third but for me, it was completely fair.
Oscar Piastri said in an interview with RacingNews365

The McLaren driver elaborated his stance on the situation and made it clear that he conforms with the team’s decision. Moreover, Norris was the faster McLaren out on track at that moment and they were in contention to snatch second place away from Charles Leclerc. This incentivized the team to initiate a driver swap and Piastri understands the intention behind it.

Oscar Piastri’s take on costly mistakes at the Australian GP

The Australian Grand Prix was a wildcard for everyone and the Aussie hoped to stand on the podium at his home race. However, this remained a dream, as he made several costly mistakes during the chaotic 58-lap event.

Oscar Piastri
Oscar Piastri (via IMAGO)

Piastri reflected on his race pace after the culmination of the Australian GP.

A couple of mistakes when it mattered, which is a bit frustrating. But today's been a solid result. A little bit of an off at the end of the second stint, and I grained the tires a little bit there as well. I just struggled a bit in that part of the race. Apart from that, it was a pretty strong day.
Oscar Piastri said in an interview with RacingNews365

Piastri reckoned that he made some frustrating mistakes during the race. Moreover, the Aussie went off-track on the penultimate corner on lap 39 losing five seconds to his teammate ahead. This left the McLaren driver in no man’s land and, eventually, finished around 30 seconds behind his teammate.

Although Piastri made several mistakes during the race, it was a result to be satisfied with as he matched the previous best-finishing result by an Aussie at a home race(P4 by Daniel Ricciardo in 2016 and 2018). This would surely provide the 22-year-old motivation to move forward and excel in the upcoming races of the ongoing 2024 F1 season.

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