Lando Norris Backs McLaren’s Team Order Decision After Heart-Wrenching Sacrifice for Piastri’s Maiden Win in Hungary

Lando Norris Shares His Thoughts on McLaren's Team Strategy Controversy in Hungary

Lando Norris discusses the team strategy issue that paved the way for Oscar Piastri's inaugural F1 victory

Lando Norris acknowledged that the directive from McLaren for him to allow Oscar Piastri to overtake during the F1 Hungarian Grand Prix was the right call.

In the final moments of the thrilling competition at the Hungaroring, Norris was in the lead, followed by his teammate Piastri, with the two making their pit stops at separate intervals.

Norris' race engineer repeatedly and with growing insistence, requested that Piastri be permitted to pass.

The appeals were ignored for several laps, but with two laps left, Norris finally acquiesced, allowing Piastri to secure his inaugural F1 Grand Prix victory.

In a post-race interview with Sky Sports, Norris described the situation as challenging, noting that it's difficult for any racer in the lead to concede their position.

"Clearly, I was placed in that role. They had me start boxing initially, allowing me the opportunity to get ahead in the race, to distance myself with ease, and to continue with my performance."

"However, they also presented me with the chance to do so. It was only right to return the position."

"I don't wish to seem like someone who's unjust. Oscar has significantly contributed to my success and has been a great support in numerous races."

"He outperformed me on the track. His takeoff was superior, while mine was disappointing. It was only fair that he won.

"It's painful. Whenever you relinquish a victory, hand it over to someone…

"I'm aware that I shouldn't have possessed it to begin with. That seems to be the central issue.

"However, it's painful when you're in the lead and then have to relinquish your position."

"Particularly in the race for the drivers' championship, every single point makes a difference."

"I'm fully aware that I'm significantly trailing Max in the championship standings. I understand that. It's not something anyone needs to remind me of."

Lando Norris indicates a poor beginning as the recurring issue

Currently holding the second position in the Formula 1 rankings, Norris trails the frontrunner Max Verstappen by 76 points, after Verstappen experienced his own challenges, finishing sixth in Hungary.

However, Norris pointed out another factor, aside from the controversy surrounding team orders, that led to a loss of crucial points.

"I squandered, or rather handed over, seven points today," he remarked. "This wasn't due to a change in position, but rather because of yet another poor start."

"That's the moment I fell behind in the competition. It was a challenging day."

"I'm determined not to let it overshadow our team's first and second-place finish, which is an extraordinary accomplishment. This is our first since Monza, and the first one we've earned purely on our own merit."

"I feel a sense of pride and joy in the path we're taking and the advancements we're making."

Norris had secured the front spot on the grid, leading Piastri and Verstappen at the start.

However, his advantage was short-lived during his competition with Verstappen. Norris veered off track, prompting Verstappen to yield his place back to him instead of facing a potential penalty.

When questioned about his lackluster beginning, Norris responded, "I'm uncertain, a thorough analysis is required. There was an issue when shifting into second gear."

"My start went smoothly. I had a good reaction and initial acceleration, but when I switched to second gear, there was a significant drop in power. I'm not sure why.”

Norris was questioned on whether, being a contender for the championship, McLaren ought to prioritize him over his teammate Piastri.

He grinned, "Time will tell as the year concludes."

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